Santa Fe College Hosts 30th Boo at the Zoo
The annual Gainesville event offers trick-or-treating in exchange for food donations for local residents.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Wildlife
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The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo held its 30th annual Boo at the Zoo event this week to provide a safe space for holiday celebrations. Visitors gained entry to the trick-or-treating festivities by donating canned food items for local pantries.
Why it matters
The long-standing tradition supports community food security while showcasing the educational work of the college's animal technology program. It serves as both a seasonal gathering for Gainesville families and a significant charitable effort.
The Zoo Animal Technology Program, which launched in 1970, boasts an 85% placement rate for its graduates. Organizers expected between 5,000 and 6,000 guests to attend the four-hour event.
The players
Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo
This facility serves as an educational laboratory for the college's Zoo Animal Technology Program in Gainesville.
The details
Students from eight groups transformed the zoo grounds into themed trick-or-treating zones for the public. The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo has operated at its current campus location since 1974.
Timeline
The Boo at the Zoo event took place on Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The Zoo Animal Technology Program was founded in 1970.
The teaching zoo moved to its permanent Santa Fe College location in 1974.
Culture Shift
This event reflects the broader societal movement toward community-integrated education within specialized academic programs. By aligning with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums educational outreach standards, the program bridges professional training with local civic responsibility.
Residents attending the event were required to bring a canned food item to gain entry for trick-or-treating. These donations directly impact local food pantries by providing supplies to address food insecurity within the community.
The takeaway
Events like Boo at the Zoo demonstrate how academic institutions can effectively pair public outreach with charitable goals. Participating in such programs helps residents support local food insecurity initiatives while engaging with the college environment.
Further reading
Learn more about local wildlife education initiatives at the Gainesville Wildlife section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WUFT | News and public media for north central Florida.
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