Monkeys, Birds, Snakes..“Oh My!”
What are you doing this weekend? Sitting on your couch watching re-runs…or going to see 200 different animals from around the world?! That’s what I thought; visiting all the animals seems like a pretty good time! What better way to do that, than to go to the Santa Fe Teaching Zoo on the Santa Fe College campus. They are located just off I-75; listen for the sound of the monkeys!
The SFC Teaching Zoo staff consists of 9 people and at times almost 120 students! The students maintain the zoo and take care of the animals. The animals in the zoo were, and still are, chosen based on how they are managed. Students need to learn a variety of managing styles that go along with the different animals. This means that all the animals you see are unique and it makes for a wide range of creatures. The students that you will meet while there, are Zoo Animal Technology majors and when they graduate from the program, they are able get jobs in zoos all over the country! A friend of mine graduated from the program and went on to work at a famous zoo in Hawaii…you know the one I’m talking about. Adam Sandler worked there in the movie ’50 First Dates’!
Some of the species include: mammals, reptiles (especially Florida Gators!), marsupials, fish, even arachnids. SFC is a participant in the Species Survival Plan. This means that they work with zoos across the country in corporative breeding programs. White-Handed Gibbons, Red Ruffed Lemur and Asian Small-Clawed Otter, just to name a few. All of The Teaching Zoo’s animals are as close to the real thing as you can get. These animals are not tame, so it gives you, as well as the students, an unforgettable experience. When you are visiting the monkeys try this: “Whoop” really loud and they will respond with the same “whopping” sound! Not only that, but if you talk to the birds some of them will talk back to you! Keep an eye out for loose peacock feathers on the ground. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is famous for the wild peacocks that roam the grounds. If you catch a glimpse of one with his tail feathers fanned out, that means he is trying to impress you and show off. Their feathers fall out on their own and act as a great souvenir for someone who happens to come across one. Don’t get too close though, they can get pretty feisty if you try to take one of their still-attached feathers.
You might be thinking “How much money am I about to pay for this ¾ of a mile tour??”. Well my fellow Gators, barely anything at all! Adults are only $4 and $3 for children ages 4-12 as well as seniors! Are you a student with a School ID? Show your ID and get in for free!
For more information or directions call (352) 395-5601. Tell them you saw it on gatormagazine.com!
After spending the afternoon at the zoo you will realize that your weekend budget is still in tact and you have the money to go to a wonderful dinner at Joe’s Place! Joe’s Place is just a straight-shot down 39th Avenue from the SFC Teaching Zoo, so feeding those hungry kids will be quick and easy. They specialize in steaks and burgers, but their salad bar is just as good. They cater to every need at Joe’s Place. If you are a family with a few picky-eaters, they have you covered with their extensive menu from seafood, to burgers, to wonderful soups and salads. Certified Angus Beef is the only steak you will see here! A family of four people would spend about $30 on any given visit. But wait; are you someone who is just looking for a fun place to have a few drinks with friends? Joe’s Place can take care of that as well! Behind the restaurant is a bar with pool tables, dart boards and the same friendly people that you find in the dinning area.
For more information, directions or to order take out call them at (352) 377-7665. Tell them you saw it on gatormagazine.com!
Popularity: 16% [?]
