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Santa Fe College Zoo: Zookeeper Day

  • When: Saturday, July 18, 2026,  9:00 am -  3:00 pm
  • Location: Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo 3000 NW 83rd St, Gainesville, Florida
  • Cost: $10- adults | $6- ages 4-12 | $3 - Electronics Benefits Transfer recipients | Free – ages 3 & under

Have you ever wondered what it's really like to be a zookeeper? National Zookeeper Week highlights the hard work, dedication, and versatility of zookeepers worldwide—they're chefs, caretakers, builders, scientists, researchers, conservationists, engineers, architects, and more! Celebrate our incredible student zookeepers during this annual event. Test your skills with zookeeper activities, meet animal ambassadors, enjoy keeper talks and training demonstrations, and connect with representatives from other zoos and conservation organizations (including graduates of the Zoo Animal Technology program).

Gainesville is home to the nation's only teaching zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, training future zookeepers to the highest standards of animal care.

This event is perfect for anyone interested in working with animals and includes information sessions about the Zoo Animal Technology program.

Quiet Hour 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.

Presentation Schedule
• All About the Zoo Animal Technology Program - 11 AM
Animal Encounter Shows
• TBD
Participating Organizations
• Alachua County Solid Waste and Resource Recovery
• FWCC Florida Shorebird Alliance
• White Oak
• Orianne Center
• Disney
• Lemur Conservation Foundation (Myakka)
• Orlando Science Center
Food and Fun
• Kona Ice of Hawthorne
• Red Line Kitchen Co.
• Cosmic Snowcones & Hot Diggity Dogs
• Blood Mobile
• Alachua County Library Bookmobile
• Face painting by Fabulous Faces

Tickets are only available at the gate the day of event. All credit cards, cash, checks and Apple/Samsung Pay are accepted.

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