Hours and Admissions

Visiting Hours

Visiting hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with last entry at 2:30 p.m. We are open seven days a week (except for dates listed below). No appointments are necessary. The SF Teaching Zoo is open for guests to walk around the zoo on their own. Guided tours can be scheduled in advance.  

Admission Rates

We accept cash, checks, all credit cards, Samsung Pay and Apple Pay. 

  • Adults (13 to 59) $8
  • Children (4 to 12) $5
  • Seniors (60+) $5
  • Active Military and Veterans $5 with valid ID
  • Teachers $5 with valid ID
  • Police, Firefighters, First Responders, EMT/EMS, Healthcare Workers $5 with valid ID
  • UF Students and Staff $5 with current Gator1 ID
  • Electronics Benefits Transfer recipients $3 with card
    (up to 4 total tickets with card, any combination of adults/children)
  • Children (3 and under) Free
  • SF Students, Staff, and Retirees Free with current SFID

Refunds and/or rainchecks will not be issued. 

We reserve the right to refuse admission or ask you to leave the zoo without a refund if you are unable to abide by SF Teaching Zoo's safety protocols and other posted rules. 

Groups

Groups of 15 or more who schedule a visit at least 10 days in advance are eligible for discounted group rates. Zoo and Planetarium tours are also available by advanced registration. To request a group tour, please fill out this tour request form.

Directions

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is located on SF's Northwest Campus.

3000 NW 83rd Street
Gainesville, FL 32606

Get directions to the Zoo

Using GPS? Type in "Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo" to be directed to our parking lot. 
Having difficulties? Instead of GPS, find us with these step-by-step directions.

Note: GPS will guide you to the East side of the campus. The Zoo is located on the Northwest side.

The Zoo is located off of North Road, on the northwest campus of Santa Fe College.

If you are coming from I-75,

  • Take exit 390. Continue east on NW 39th Avenue (FL-222 E).
  • Turn right onto NW 91st Street (On the Walgreens side)
  • Follow NW 91st around the sharp-left curve (NW 91st becomes North Road).
  • Take the first right after the curve into the Zoo parking lot.
  • We are located on the left in the tan building with the green roof at the tree line.

If you are at the SF Admissions Office on the main campus

  • Turn Left onto NW 83rd Street.
  • At light, turn left onto North Road.
  • Continue pass the Gym, and turn left into the Zoo parking lot.
  • We are located on the left in the tan building with the green roof at the tree line.

Parking

Parking is free! The Zoo shares the parking lot with the Little School and acts as overflow for the SF main campus. Guests can park in any parking space as long as it is not outlined in blue paint or has signs posted for the Reserved Parking.

Handicap spaces are available next to the restrooms close to the entrance of the Zoo.

Buses

Buses must park in LOT #10. Please do not allow buses/vehicles to block parking at the Zoo or in front of the Little School.

In case of emergency, these areas should not be blocked at any time.

Overflow Parking

Overflow parking is available across from the street (North Road) in LOT #9.

Closed Dates - 2023

  • Friday, March 3 - SF Professional Development Day
  • Tuesday, October 31 until 3 p.m. - Boo at the Zoo (3 - 7 p.m.) 
  • Thursday, November 23 - Thanksgiving Day
  • Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Eve
  • Monday, December 25 - Christmas Day

Zoo Map

Know before you go! You can view, download, and print the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo map below. 

Accessibility Note: The Zoo Map is PDF format. If you need assistance, please contact the Zoo.

Download or view PDF here (English version)

Download or view PDF here (Spanish version)

Do I have to wear a mask?

Masks are optional. Individuals not fully vaccinated for COVID-19 are recommended to continue wearing masks according to CDC guidance. For the most complete and up-to-date information, follow all CDC recommendations.

Will parts of the zoo be closed?

The inside of the gift shop is closed until further notice due to the small space, however, you will be able to browse available items in a binder and purchase any gift shop items through the ticket window. 

What safety measures are in place to protect the animals?

The trail has been modified to ensure guests are 12 feet away from the animals for their protection. Zookeepers and staff are required to stay home if feeling ill or exhibiting symptoms, and follow COVID-19 exposure protocols.  Zookeepers will continue to wear masks when working with higher risk animals. 

Will I be able to feed or touch any of the animals?

If you would like to get up close and personal with an ambassador animal, you can schedule an animal encounter to add on to your next visit! You must schedule these programs at least 10 days in advance. Please visit the Animal Encounters page for additional information. 


At this time, we do not have any walk-in animal encounters available. 

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all forms of credit cards, cash, and checks. 

At this time, we do not have an online payment system for admission and memberships.

Can I rent strollers or wheelchairs?

We do not have strollers or wheelchairs available to rent at the zoo. Our mulch-lined trails are wheelchair accessible, and guests are welcome to bring their own stroller or wheelchair. 

Are dogs/pets allowed at the zoo?

Pets are not permitted. 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. 

The parking lot looks full. Does that mean you are super busy?

Not necessarily! Our parking lot is available for all students at Santa Fe College, so it tends to fill up early during the Fall and Spring semesters. If the parking lot is full, there is street parking available, as well as an additional parking lot across the street from the zoo (Lot 9). 

Blue spaces are reserved for Santa Fe College employees on the weekdays, and you may be ticketed if you park in those spots. 

Can I bring my own food and drink?

Yes! We have picnic tables in front of the zoo and in the playground, and benches throughout the zoo where you can take a break and enjoy lunch or a snack. Please dispose of your waste in the proper trash or recycling receptacles, located throughout the zoo. Bring your reusable water bottle and fill it up at our cold refill station right inside of the the zoo! 

At this time, we do not have concessions at the zoo. We do have a Pepsi beverage vending machine in front of the zoo near the restrooms. 

Where are the restrooms?

Restrooms are located in front of the zoo between the ticket window and the parking lot. 

Top