The Wandering Disciple

Tucked away beneath the shady oaks of Gainesville, Florida, the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo offers one of the most unique wildlife experiences in the state. It’s not your typical zoo — it’s a working classroom, where students in Santa Fe College’s Zoo Animal Technology Program learn hands-on animal care while educating the public. For visitors, that means an up-close, intimate encounter with animals and the people who care for them. A Zoo That Teaches — and Inspires The Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo was established in the 1970s as part of the college’s acclaimed Zoo Animal Technology Program, one of only a few in the nation. Here, students gain real-world experience managing and maintaining the zoo, ensuring animal welfare, and interacting with guests. Every exhibit and encounter reflects this educational mission — the keepers you meet aren’t just zookeepers, they’re students mastering their craft. The zoo’s 10-acre shaded trail winds through a peaceful forest setting, making it...

Melbourne, Florida The Brevard Zoo, nestled in Melbourne, Florida, offers an unparalleled and captivating experience for visitors of every generation. Spanning an impressive 75 acres, this conservation-centric zoo serves as a vibrant sanctuary for over 900 animals, representing an astounding 195 species from diverse corners of the globe. What truly sets the Brevard Zoo apart from many conventional zoos is its unwavering commitment to immersive exhibits and interactive encounters. This innovative approach fosters a more personal connection between guests and the magnificent wildlife that calls the zoo home.  At the core of the Brevard Zoo's mission is its profound dedication to conservation. The zoo is a proactive participant in, and a staunch supporter of, countless wildlife conservation programs, both on a global scale and within its local community. Their tireless efforts are focused on safeguarding endangered species and preserving their critical habitats. A shining example of t...

Meet Mardi. Mardi is a rare leucistic alligator, one of 22 seized by the Louisiana Department of Fish and Game after being caught illegally by fisherman. Her and her siblings resided at the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans before being sent to zoos around the country. Mardi found her home here at the Palm Beach Zoo. A leucistic alligator has a gene mutation which causes it to have almost no pigment in their skin and have bright blue eyes. They are not true albino because they have some pigmentation around the mouth and tail while having blue eyes instead of red. leucistic alligators are extremely rare, out of the over 5 million alligators there are believed to be only 12 leucistic alligators remaining. (Photo: June 22, 2019)

Atlanta, Georgia:   In the heart of Atlanta lies a hidden gem, Zoo Atlanta.  The urban zoo packs a serious punch in a little space, making the most of their little chunk of Grant Park.  It is most popular as being one of just four zoos in the nation to house Giant Pandas on loan from the People's Republic of China. A journey to Zoo Atlanta begins in Flamingo Plaza.  The park is laid out fairly easy to navigate, however it can be a little overwhelming looking at the park map.  We chose a left hand pattern and began our tour in the African Plains. The African Plains are home to a pride of African Lions.  They have both a indoor and outdoor viewing area.  During our visit, the lions were best seen from the outdoor area as they were mostly on top of the rock. This area is also home to elephants, rhinos, zebra, giraffes and many more.  However during our trip, there was inclement weather on the horizon so many of the animals were off exhibit. T...

A bald eagle sits on guard on the Florida Boardwalk at Lowry Park Zoo. The Florida Boardwalk is an area of the zoo dedicated to native Floridian wildlife. (Photo: July 18, 2010)

A rhino beats the heat by taking a dip in the pond at Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa.  The Indian Rhinoceros in the photo is one of over 1,00 animals on display at the zoo.  (Photo: June 28, 2005)

A tiger prowls the edge of a pool at the National Zoo in Washington DC. The zoo which operated by the Smithsonian Institiute is home to over 2,000 animals. (Photo: February 13, 2009)

Two reticulated giraffes stand tall over Lowry Park Zoo in downtown Tampa. The giraffes are one of many species of animals that call the 63 acre zoo their home. You can get close to the giraffes and even feed them at the zoo. (Photo: January 21, 2007)

Atlanta, Georgia: Just outside downtown Atlanta lies a lush oasis home to 1,400 wild animals. Zoo Atlanta features 40 acres of habitat home to over 200 species of animals including the Giant Panda. In fact, the zoo is one of only four places in the United States where you can see the Giant Panda. Zoo Atlanta was founded in 1889 by George Gress. He purchased a travelling circus and created a zoo with the circus animals at Grant Park. The zoo continued to expand throughout the years, resulting in the world class venue it is today. The park is broken down into four regions: African Plains, The African Rain Forest, Asian Forest and Kid Zone. The African Plains is the first region you will encounter in the park. Here you will find the elephants, lions, rhinos and a savannah home to giraffes, zebras and Bongos. Next you will enter into the African Rain Forest. The highlight of region is the gorilla exhibit, home to nation’s largest collection of gorillas. Here twenty gorill...

An African Penguin enjoy the Florida sunshine at Lowry Park Zoo. African Penguins are one of four species of Banded Penguins that survive in warm weather climates. (Photo: August 30, 2009)

A bald eagle poses for the camera at Lowry Park Zoo.  The eagles are one of several Florida native species that can be seen along the Florida Boardwalk at the zoo.  (Photo: June 28, 2009)

Get up close and personal with these delicate giants at Busch Gardens Tampa. Here you can climb in the back of a safari truck and head out on the Serengeti Plain to get close to giraffes, zebra, ostriches and much more. On the Serengeti Safari, you will get the chance to feed giraffes and antelope while getting extremely close to the animals of the plain. (Photo: January 2, 2005)

The white tiger pictured here is just one of the many animals that you can see at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The 335 acre adventure park in Tampa, Florida is home to over 2,700 wild animals as well as 24 pulse pounding rides. (Photo: March 20, 2004)

This Scarlet Macaw sits on a perch at Lion Country Safari in Florida. This large colorful bird is one of over 800 animals that can be viewed at the attraction. They feature a drive-through safari combined with a traditional walking zoo. (Photo: September 7, 2009)

The sign says it all; "Caution: Rhinos have the right of way". A White Rhinoceros stands in the roadway at drive-through safari at Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee, Florida. Here you can come close to the wildlife during a five mile drive-through safari featuring seven different animal habitats. (Photo: September 7, 2009)

Bolingo plays with his mother Kishina at Busch Gardens in Tampa, Florida. Bolingo, a western lowland gorilla, was born on November 18, 2005. He was the first gorilla born at Busch Gardens Tampa and increased the gorilla population to seven. (Photo: December 31, 2006)

Lake Buena Vista, Florida: Tucked away in the dense forest of Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the rustic camp that is home to many of the famous Disney characters. Camp Minnie-Mickey is the best place in the park to meet your favorite character or to catch the high flying action of the Lion King. This portion of the park was originally planned to be the Beastly Kingdom part of Animal Kingdom. Beastly Kingdom was to be the home of mythical animals and creatures such as unicorns, dragons and more. There were plenty of thrill rides planned for this expansion, however budget problems kept the vision from becoming reality and Camp Minnie-Mickey was opened in its place. Although Camp Minnie-Mickey does not have any major ride attractions, it is home to the park’s longest running attraction and one of its most popular shows, Festival of the Lion King. The Broadway style musical features a musical score produced by Elton John and combines acrobatics to produce a one of a kind performance. The show...

Tampa, Florida: The newest additions to Lowry Park Zoo, Safari Africa brings the animals of the safari right to the west coast of Florida. The region became more diverse with the addition of the Ituri Forest, making it one of the most realistic African experience available. Safari Africa is the largest portion of the park. The vast savannah is home to some of the parks more popular residents. Here you will find elephants, camels, zebras, gazelles, African penguins, rhinos, giraffes and more. You also have the ability to interact with some of the animals of the safari by feeding the giraffes and white rhinos or take a ride on the back of a Dromedary camel. The Ituri Forest portion of Safari Africa is an animal habitat developed to represent the dense rainforest found along the Congo River. Along the trail you will encounter cheetahs, okapi, pygmy hippos and red river hogs. Two of the parks rides can also be found in Safari Africa. Here you can board the Safari Ride, a fifteen m...

Homosassa, Florida: In the midst of dense tropical foliage lies home to many of Florida’s residents. Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park provides a walk into the habitats of the animals that call Florida their home. The park is home to bobcats, panthers, bears, birds of prey, manatees and many more Florida natives. The vision of the park began in the early 1900’s when the train that traveled through Homosassa would stop at the springs. Guests would disembark the train and marvel that the clear waters and abundance of fish that called the springs home. In 1940, the site was purchased and operated as a petting zoo style attraction. In 1964, the land was bought by the Norris Development Company. Although the master plan of the company was to build a city here, the beginning of the project led to what is now present day Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park. The project began with the dredging of the creek, which exhausted much of the money that was set aside for the project. Then on a trip ...

Loxahatchee, Florida: Opened in 1967, Lion Country Safari is a 500 acre animal park consisting of a five mile drive-through safari and a walk-through safari featuring over 800 animals. The safari was part of a six park venture by a group of entrepreneurs from South Africa and Great Britain. The Lion Country Safari in Florida is the only location still in operation and in 2009 was voted the third best zoo in America by USA Travel Guide. Upon arrival to Lion Country Safari, you begin the five mile drive-through safari. The safari is broken into seven animal habitats representing different regions of the wild. The habitats as you approach them are: Las Pampas- the grassland habitat featuring the Brazilian Tapir, Aldabra Tortoise, Llama, Rhea, Florida Brown Pelican and Fallow Deer. Ruaha National Park-unspoiled wilderness featuring Greater Kudu, Impala and Aoudad. Kalahari Bushveldt- a dry plateau featuring Nile Lechwe and Gemsbok. Gir Forest- home to the Asiatic Water Buffalo, Nilgai...