Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Award $300,000 Grant to Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo for New Treehouse System adn Learning Center
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation Inc. has committed over $300,000 to the Santa Fe College Teaching zoo to fund the construction of an Elevated Treehouse System and Learning Center,announced at the Foundation’s September 10,2025,Board of Directors meeting. The grant, awarded through the 2026 wild Game Feast, will create a unique, immersive experience for visitors.
The project,initially discussed during a Rotary lunch meeting site plan review in 2024,represents 18 months of collaborative planning between the Rotary Clubs and the zoo. The treehouse system will offer elevated viewing points of animal exhibits,provide outdoor educational spaces,and feature a multi-level play structure designed for self-guided exploration.
“We are excited to be awarding the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo a grant…to build an Elevated Treehouse System and Learning Center within the zoo,” said Guy Jopling, Feast Master 2026. “This introduces a new perspective to the visitor experience…and creating an immersive multi-level play structure with plenty of self-guided play. This is merely phase one of the reimagining of the zoo; we cannot wait to see this built, and what comes next for the zoo.”
The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo,the only zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums,spans 10 acres and houses over 70 animal species. The zoo is maintained by approximately 100 students enrolled in the college’s Zoo Animal Technology program.
“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,” stated Jonathan Miot, Director of the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo.”We are thrilled the Rotary Clubs of gainesville see our vision and will be part of our journey.”
The treehouse system and learning center mark the first phase of a larger reimagining project for the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo.
