Santa Fe Zoo Welcomes Rare Pineywoods Cow Gabby

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo has added Gabby, a Pineywoods cow, a rare heritage cattle breed of the southeastern United States.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Large Animals

Reddish-brown heritage cow with long slender horns grazing in an open Florida pasture bordered by tall pine trees in soft morning light. — The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo in Gainesville has welcomed Gabby, a Pineywoods cow, a threatened heritage cattle breed, with free craft sheets for visitors Nov. 2 to 15. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo welcomed Gabby, a Pineywoods cow, to its campus. Visitors can receive a complimentary Pineywoods cow craft and coloring sheet from Nov. 2 to 15, while supplies last.

Why it matters

Pineywoods cattle descend from Iberian cattle brought to the Americas in the early 1500s and are classified as threatened by The Livestock Conservancy after sharp population declines in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Gabby's arrival supports conservation of rare domestic breeds and their genetic diversity for Gainesville residents and visitors.

Pineywoods cattle descend from Iberian cattle brought to the Americas in the early 1500s and have declined sharply since the late 1800s. The Livestock Conservancy classifies the breed as threatened, and the source does not give a current population figure.

The players

Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo

The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo is the only teaching zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and it trains students in animal technology.

The Livestock Conservancy

The Livestock Conservancy is a nonprofit organization that works to protect rare heritage livestock breeds and maintains conservation status classifications for them.

The details

Gabby, a Pineywoods cow, arrived at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo, which is the only teaching zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Zoo Animal Technology students will build animal husbandry and handling skills working with the large domestic animal.

Early 1500s: Iberian cattle brought to the Americas
Late 1800s to early 1900s: Pineywoods cattle population declined sharply
Nov. 2 to 15: Visitors can receive a complimentary Pineywoods cow craft and coloring sheet

Heritage Breed Conservation

Gabby's arrival at the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo puts a breed that The Livestock Conservancy classifies as threatened in front of students and visitors. The move extends the conservation goal of preserving rare domestic breeds and their genetic diversity.

Gainesville residents can visit the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo to see Gabby and collect a complimentary Pineywoods cow craft and coloring sheet from Nov. 2 to 15, while supplies last. The visit gives families a direct look at a heritage cattle breed rarely seen outside conservation settings.

The takeaway

Rare heritage breeds like the Pineywoods cow depend on public awareness and institutional support to avoid further decline. Visiting a teaching zoo or local farm is one practical way readers can help keep these breeds visible.