A $300,000 grant from the Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation will support new developments at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo. The funding is set to enable the creation of an Elevated Treehouse System and Learning Center, which is part of a broader plan to enhance visitor experiences and improve animal care at the zoo.
Zoo Director Jonathan Miot commented on the project, stating, “This will move our special space much closer towards our goal of becoming a zoological leader in creating active, immersive and global learning opportunities for all. We are thrilled the Rotary Clubs of Gainesville see our vision and will be part of our journey.”
The initiative was brought to the Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Board by two senior Rotarians as a possible partnership with the Teaching Zoo. After 18 months of discussions between both organizations, it was formally presented for funding consideration through the 2026 Wild Game Feast grant.
The planned Elevated Treehouse System and Learning Center aims to offer visitors elevated views of exhibits, outdoor educational spaces, and a multi-level play structure designed for self-guided play. This feature will serve as a central component in ongoing efforts to update and expand the zoo’s facilities.
The master development plan for these upgrades was completed with assistance from local consulting firm NV5. Treetop Builders from Exton, Pennsylvania has been selected to construct the treehouse system. Additional features are expected to include interactive displays highlighting animal behaviors not typically seen by visitors.
Construction could begin as early as March 2026. The project builds on recent improvements aimed at increasing accessibility for wheelchair users and others.
Santa Fe College President Paul Broadie said, “This grant enables us to advance our plans to enhance the visitor experience to the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo. I want to thank our partners from NV5, who developed our Zoo Master Plan. Their expertise has been invaluable in this process, and the results will bolster our world-class zoo. The master plan will make our zoo a prime destination for visitors to our community, while giving our students additional training and learning opportunities to support sustainability, conservation, and preservation of animals across the region and around the world.”
The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is unique as it is the only college campus zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Spanning 10 acres, it houses over 70 animal species and is operated by about 100 students enrolled in its Zoo Animal Technology program. Each year, approximately 70,000 people visit events such as Boo at the Zoo during Halloween or Brew at the Zoo held annually in May.
