October 9, 2020 – After months of closure due to the current health crisis, staff and zookeepers at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo will begin a phased reopening of the zoo. The zoo is excited to welcome SF faculty and staff back to the SF Teaching Zoo for the first phase of reopening. Starting Tuesday, Oct. 13, the zoo will be open seven days a week from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. for SF faculty, staff and their families. This is a great opportunity to be one of the first people to greet our capuchin monkeys, visit the growing otter family and help zoo staff and zookeepers test our new protocols before reopening to the community.
Several new safety measures have been implemented to ensure the health and safety of all staff, students and animals. We have increased cleaning and disinfecting of high touch areas, and additional hand sanitizing stations are available around the zoo. If you are feeling sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, please wait to visit the zoo when you are feeling better. Adults and children 4 years old and up are required to wear face coverings, and a group must be 10 people or less. The trail has been newly designed to ensure a 12-foot distance between guests and the animals and altered to create a one way trail. As a result, some exhibits may not be visible in order to protect the animals. Social distancing is in practice, so please keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others, and follow all rules and signs.
SF staff must bring their staff ID to receive free admission, and family must accompany staff members to visit the zoo. Admission rates are $8 for adults (13-59), $5 for children (4-12) and seniors (60+), and free for children 3 and under. We recommend paying with a credit or debit card for contactless payment.