HSHT and FBLA Visit the Teaching Zoo

Member of the High School High Tech and Future Business Leaders of America visited the Santa Fe (SF) College in Gainesville, FL to learn about the career opportunities in zoology.  The SF Teaching Zoo is coordinated by nine full time staff members, home to over 75 different species of animals and is maintained by over 200 students enrolled in the college's premier Zoo Animal Technology Program.  The zoo is operated by the student obtaining a degree form SF in this career field.

The zoo showcases a diverse collection that contains both native and exotic species for everyone to enjoy.  Member of each club enjoyed the beautiful Bald Eagle, White-throated Capuchin monkeys, Galapagos tortoises, Matschie's Tree Kangaroo and Asian small-clawed otters to name a few.  These species and many other mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are on display in a naturally shaded environment.  The 1/4 mile trail through the wooded environment is lined with sawdust and is stroller and/or wheelchair accessible.

Our tour guide, Grace, talked about the 2 and 4 year degrees offered by the college and mentioned that there is only one other teaching zoo that is located in Moorpark, CA (93021).  So we are granted the privilege of visiting one of the two teaching zoos in the United States.

After touring the grounds and its beauty of it animals, the students enjoyed a wonderful lunch prepared by the Madison County High School Cafeteria Culinary under the direction of Mrs. Bell at the picnic table at the zoo.

Mike Radel
HSHT and FBLA Advisor