March 18, 2022 – On Nov. 4, 2021, the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo was officially awarded continued accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for another five years. The SF Teaching Zoo was first accredited by AZA in 1986. The accreditation maintains SF’s distinction as the only Zoo Animal Technology program in the country with a dedicated accredited zoo on campus.
Since the zoo’s previous accreditation in 2015 guests have experienced a new Florida walk-through aviary, the addition of Florida Key deer, Golden Conures, expanded alligator habitat. The SF Teaching Zoo has contributed directly to conservation of endangered and threatened species in the wild. SF Teaching Zoo Zookeepers have delivered thousands of hours of keeper talks, guided tours and outreaches to school groups and hosted a variety of presentations.
There will be an official presentation Wednesday, March 23, at 2 p.m. at the SF Teaching Zoo. AZA President and CEO Dan Ashe will be at the zoo to meet with zoo staff and celebrate the accreditation with the college.
The SF Teaching Zoo is open every day from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Bring the family and come celebrate this honor at your zoo!