Conservation
Conservation Continues
Zoos and Aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) serve as conservation centers that contribute to research, conservation and education, and provide their communities with the opportunity to develop personal connections with wildlife. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo strives to uphold our mission of improving the future for wildlife, both locally and internationally, by continuing to build partnerships within our community and abroad and develop strategies for supporting wildlife and wild places.
Conservation at the Zoo
In collaboration with conservation partners and Species Survival Plan programs, SF Teaching Zoo proudly participates in conservation efforts that help save threatened species. Learn about these exciting reintroduction initiatives and the conservation partners we work with to bring animals back to the wild.
Conservation Partners
Since 2010, the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo has donated almost $140,000 to organizations working on the front lines to conserve wild animals and wild places. When you purchase a ticket, join our membership program, buy merchandise from our gift shop or participate in any of our on-site educational experiences, your dollars go to work to save species. Thank you to our guests for making it possible for the Zoo to raise the funds and achieve our mission of improving the future for wildlife! Learn more about the projects and organizations we support annually.
Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program - The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program fosters wildlife and habitat conservation and supports local community livelihoods in Papua New Guinea through global partnerships, land protection and scientific research.
Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) – TSA’s mission is transforming passion for turtles into effective conservation action through a global network of living collections and recovery programs.
The Mission of Alachua Conservation Trust (ACT) is to protect the natural, historic, scenic and recreational resources in and around North Central Florida. ACT protects land through purchase, donation, and conservation easements in 16 counties. The SF Teaching Zoo Supports two of their initiatives:
- Rise Up for the Santa Few River - Little Awesome Preserve: Funds aid in helping pay off the loan for the purchase of the protected 195 acres along the Lower Santa Fe River, including 6,000 feet of riverbank, Camp Spring, and numerous karst features including portions of the Siphon Creek Cave System.
- Creekside Environmental Ed for Kids: The CrEEK Program (Creekside Environmental Ed for Kids) is a partnership between ACT and the Friends of Little Orange Creek. Our donation helps school buses for students, supplies for environmental activities, and staffing so approximately 1,000 fourth graders from underserved schools in Alachua (East Gainesville) and Putnam counties can be bused to Little Orange Creek Nature Park to learn basics in wetland and wildlife ecology every year.
Quarters for Conservation
Every time you visit the zoo, 50 cents from your admission is donated to wildlife conservation.
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Community Science
Learn how you can become a citizen scientist and how you can help out your neighborhood frogs and toads.
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Sustainability
Learn what actions the zoo has taken to be more sustainable, and how you can be more sustainable at home!
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Conservation at Home
We can all do our part to encourage a conservation culture and improve the future for wildlife. Find out how you can make a positive impact for our shared planet.
Learn about the interconnectedness of humans, animals and their ecosystems
- Learn about the ways animals and humans share ecosystems.
- Understand the impact humans have on animals and their habitats.
- Participate in outdoor activities with others to help foster a connection to nature.
- Become an environmental steward by getting involved in citizen science and community programs, and advocating for wildlife.
- Practice the 5 Rs – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, Recycle – to promote healthy ecosystems that can support life.
- Learn how you can reduce your waste and support local waste reduction initiatives from our community partners at Zero Waste Gainesville.
- Visit Alachua County Recycles to learn where your recycling goes and how much is recycled per year
- Unsure how to recycle something? Check out the Gainesville's Zero Waste Wizard to find where you can recycle, compost, donate, resell, repair, and properly dispose of unwanted materials.
Choose your pets wisely
- Research pets before acquiring them to make sure they are a good fit for you and your family.
- Adopt rather than buy pets—even exotic pets can be adopted.
- Be a responsible pet owner by researching your pet’s needs and offering an environment for your pet to thrive.
- Do not release unwanted pets into the environment.
- Learn how to become a responsible pet owner
Support animal habitats in your own backyard
- Plant a flower garden for animals to pollinate.
- Build a bat box to help control mosquito populations.
- Build a bird house or feeder to attract local birds.
- Keep domestic pets, like cats that hunt native wildlife, inside.
- Learn how to create your own Certified Wildlife Habitat
Be an informed consumer in your everyday life
- Research where your products are sourced. Attempt to purchase products that are made using sustainable practices.
- Encourage your friends, families, and local businesses to research companies before supporting them.
- Consume seafood caught only in sustainable practices.
- Consume meat from animals treated humanely.
- Download these apps to help you make responsible choices everyday: The Seafood Watch App and Palm Oil Scan App.
Support your local conservation organizations
- Purchase products that are sourced locally, such as produce, from your local farmer’s market.
- Learn about how you can support local conservation organizations.
- Visit your local accredited zoo, aquarium or museum.
- Find a farmers’ market near you!