About Us

What is the Florida International Teaching Zoo?

The teaching zoo is a not for profit organization formed to promote the responsible public education through conservation and reproduction of endangered and rare animals. The staff offers distance learning programs in veterinary assistant certification, in-school animal programs, in-house career continuing education, DVD courses, and Project Green Jungle in Costa Rica.

What is a “Teaching Zoo”?

A teaching zoo is a collection of zoo animals that allows beginning zoo animal caregivers to learn the basics of good animal management principles. The student keepers clean, feed, and enrich the animals in their care. Lectures include taxonomy, nutrition, reproduction, veterinary care, exhibit design, captive animal ethics, and public education. The zoo is open to the public.

“If endangered species are to survive on Earth, we must give the next generation of captive animal caregivers the responsible knowledge and skills to preserve our animal brethren.” Mark Wilson, DVM Veterinarian/Zoo Director.

What animals can I see at the Teaching Zoo? Where do they come from?

We specialize in unique species that are “type” animals for learning students. Current animals include Black Jaguars, African Patas and Colobus Monkeys, Hawaiian Ne’ne’ Geese, and Rare Birds. Future species will include African Antelope, Douracouli Monkeys, Vultures, and Free-Flight Aviary Birds. All of the zoo animals were captive born or rescued from native country sanctuaries. The founding breeding Patas Monkeys were rescued from slaughter in Puerto Rico.

Where does the Zoo’s funding come from?

The veterinary staff provides low cost pet vaccination clinics at local sites with all profits promoting the zoo programs. Gifts and food donations from local businesses help feed the animals. Grants, school program fees, and course tuition help, also. The “new” Teaching Zoo will offer guided tours to the public beginning 2011.

How/when can I book a tour or take the course? Where/When can I get my dog or cat vaccinated?

Tour bookings will begin early 2011. The pet vaccination clinic and tour information can be found on this site, or at: (352)867-7788. Leave a message for school programs, DVD courses, and other questions.

You can visit the Villages Lifelong Learning Center website or veterinary assistant course schedules.