Wheelchairs and Strollers
Wheelchairs and strollers are welcome in the SF Teaching Zoo. The trails are lined with mulch and are stroller/wheelchair accessible. At this time, we do not offer stroller or wheelchair rental.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome at the Zoo. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a service animal is defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. Pets are not permitted.
Resources for Guests With Sensory Needs
The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo has partnered with KultureCity to improve our ability to assist and accommodate guests with sensory needs. Our objective is to provide an inclusive and seamless experience for all guests including those with sensory needs. We strive to raise awareness of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with sensory processing disorders by supplying our staff members and student zookeepers with continuous training through KultureCity and UF Center for Autism and Related Disabilities, and by offering the resources and accommodations below to our guests. Thank you to the UF Medical Guild for awarding the Zoo a grant to purchase materials for sensory inclusive events, and to cover the first two years of certification through KultureCity.
Sensory Bags
Sensory bags containing special KCVIP badges, fidget tools, noise canceling headphones and other resources are available for checkout (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our ticket window or inside the gift shop. Sensory bags are disinfected after each use.
Weighted Lap Pads
Weighted lap pads are also available upon request (at no cost by leaving an ID) at our ticket window or inside the gift shop.
Quiet Areas and Headphone Zones
Around the Zoo, areas that may get loud will have a "headphone zone" sign to alert individuals they might need to put on headphones. There is a Quiet Area at the Northeast corner of the Zoo for anyone who may need a break. The Zoo is most quiet in the afternoon, between 1 - 3 p.m. The last tickets are sold at 2 p.m.
Face coverings due to COVID19 pandemic
We understand that wearing a mask may be challenging for individuals with sensory needs. Our partners at KultureCity have developed a video with tips for building comfort and confidence in mask wearing.
Social Story and KultureCity All-Inclusive App
Download the KultureCity All-Inclusive App to see the social story to help you further with your visit to the SF Teaching Zoo.
Museums For All Admission Program
As of August 2021, the SF Teaching Zoo has joined the Museums for All program, a nationwide initiative to expand access to zoos, museums and science centers. Museums for All is part of our commitment to encourage all members of our community, regardless of economic status, to connect with nature and be inspired by wildlife.
This program allows those receiving food assistance benefits (SNAP) to visit the zoo at a discounted rate of $3.00 per person by showing an EBT card when purchasing admission at the ticket window. This discount is applicable for up to 4 people, and visitors can use this discount all year round, as many times as they'd like!
This program was created by the Institute of Museum and Library Sciences and administered by the Association of Children's Museums.