FrogWatch USA is a citizen science program that trains volunteers to recognize frog and toad calls and record them onto data sheets. The data is then sent to scientists to be analyzed for the species’ conservation status. The training session teaches volunteers that amphibians are very important for the environment and are a huge part of our ecosystem.

The next training session will be held at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo on April 20 from 1-4PM. The only requirements are that you can commit to record the calls at least once a week for the duration of the FrogWatch USA season (February-August).

Even if you aren’t an amphibian expert, hop on over to the Santa Fe Teaching Zoo for the next training session! For more information email Frogwatch@sfcollege.edu.

Zookeepers will be stationed at each exhibit to answer questions and point out interesting facts about the animals. In addition to touring the zoo, there are plenty of other fun family activities.

Party for the Planet is a national event being held at zoos across the country. It’s sponsored by the AZA, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The party is on all weekend, April 6 and 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Zoo admission is $5 for adults, $4 for children, and free for ages 3 and under. For more information visit www.sfcollege.edu/zoo or call 352-395-5601.

In honor of Earth Day we welcome you to explore the zoo and experience the wonder of wildlife. The celebration will include fun activities for the whole family. Visit with the animals, chat with the zookeepers and learn about fun ways we can all enjoy nature.

We will be parting all weekend April 6th and 7th, 2013 from 9:00am – 2:00pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for children and 3 and under is free. As always any Santa Fe College student or staff member with ID is free.  For more information visit www.sfcollege.edu/zoo or call 352-395-5601

“There will be local adoption agencies on hand to talk about responsible pet ownership,” said Jonathan Miot, Zoo Director. “You could learn how to take home your next best friend.”

The zoo is open 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and there will be free animal-themed children’s crafts, face painting, a bounce house from Space Walk of Gainesville, games and kids activities. Also in attendance will be local animal mascots like Odie Bee, Beauregard the bloodhound and the Chick-fil-A cow.

The teaching zoo is located on the Santa Fe College campus, 3000 NW 83^rd St. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for children age 4 – 12 and seniors. SF students and employees valid I.D. and Children under age 3 are free. For more zoo information, visit sfcollege.edu/zoo or call 352-395-5633.

Sheila our Kookaburra is laughing with joy! Why? She just heard the great news that the SF Teaching Zoo smashed our yearly attendance record. We had over 46,000 visitors last year! Our previous attendance record was about 32,000 visitors. Thank you to eveyone who came out last year. Look for more great things this year!

Doug Finger / The Gainesville Sun

Two Charities benefited from this years contributions.

SF Teaching Zoo Director Jon Miot reports the numbers on yesterday’s Boo at the Zoo: 4,665 guests attended with 4,457 non-perishable food items collected. Half of the food items were taken to our very own Santa Fe Harvest and the rest were given to Catholic Charities. Thank you everyone!

Click here to view more photos from The Gainesville Sun

Thousands of area children will descend on the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo for the best Halloween party in town, Boo at the Zoo, 3-7:30 p.m. on Halloween (Wednesday, Oct. 31). Admission to Boo at the Zoo is one canned good per person for donation to area food banks.

“Boo at the Zoo brings together people of all ages for a fun, safe Halloween adventure,” said Tarah Jacobs, Conservation Education Specialist.

Boo at the Zoo typically draws about 6,000 guests who visit 12 candy stations staffed by costumed zookeepers in the clearing in front of the zoo. This year’s trick-or-treat adventure will be filled with Nintendo heroes, the world of Harry Potter, Monster Mash and an exploration through a library.

“The trick-or-treating journey will be located outside the Zoo” Jacobs said. “Be sure to bring a bag to hold your candy, and dress up for the “wildest” Halloween trick-or-treat adventure in Gainesville.”

Due to the birth of a baby Gibbon on Oct. 23, the zoo will not be open to guests during Boo at the Zoo, as such a large volume of visitors on a single day could be disruptive to the Gibbons’ normal routine. Trick-or-treating will continue as normal in the clearing in front of the zoo, and visitors will be able to view a live streaming video feed of the Gibbon enclosure. Attendees of Boo at the Zoo will also receive a complimentary pass to re-vist the zoo during normal operating hours through Nov. 30.

For operating hours, pricing and more information about the SF Teaching Zoo, visit www.sfcollege.eu/zoo.

Animal enrichment is the process of enhancing an animal’s environment to encourage its species’ appropriate behaviors. These behaviors could include foraging for food, scent marking, browsing, and more.

“One of the best parts of this day is to see the animal interacting with its enrichment items. Our animals have some of the best natural behaviors and it is always fun to draw attention to the amazing things that animals do,” said Conservation Education Specialist and SF Teaching Zoo Chair Tarah Jacobs . “We love to share, with our younger guests especially, how amazing animals can be!”

The Teaching Zoo and Disney’s Animal Kingdom staff will provide insight into one of the greatest parts of caring for animals. They will also share ideas for how visitors can create incredible enrichments for own their pets.

Zoo hours are 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.  Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and children age 4-12, and children under age 3 are free. SF students, faculty and staff are free with current I.D.

Bags of candy must be individually wrapped, unopened and labeled with your name, department and extension. We’d love to tell everyone how spooktacular you are!

When choosing which candy to buy, please refer to this list.

Monetary support is always appreciated, too! Make checks out to the SF Teaching Zoo.

You can send your candy or monetary donations through campus mail, in person by bringing it with you as you stroll through the zoo, or have it picked up by calling 352-395-5633.

Thanks for your generous donations!

How long does it take a Galapagos tortoise to eat a melon? Can a capuchin monkey open a cardboard box? Find out on Saturday,October 13, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo’s Animal Enrichment day!

During Animal Enrichment Day, come visit the zoo and find out how we use animal enrichment, talk to zookeepers and make enrichments for your pets at home.

Enjoy a unique opportunity not only talk to the Teaching Zoo’s Zookeepers but chat with our special guests: Animal care staff from Disney’s Animal Kingdom!

Thanks to our friends at the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for supporting Animal Enrichment day at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo!