Wild Game Feast grant raises $325,000 for Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Teaching Zoo
April 23, 2026
The Rotary Clubs of Gainesville Foundation presented Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» President Paul Broadie II and Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Teaching Zoo Director Jonathan Miot a check for $325,000 to support enhancements to the zoo that were unveiled in March in the 10-year project master development plan.
Each year since 1985, the Rotary Clubs of Gainesville raise support for community charities through the Wild Game Feast, held at the Rotary Conservation Area at Hatchett Creek, east of Gainesville. This year's grant will help create an Elevated Treehouse System and Learning Center, provide unique outdoor educational spaces, an immersive multi-level play structure, and will provide better support for the zoo's animals.
"We're really excited to support that amazing organization," Feast Master Guy Jopling said. "It's more than just a treehouse; it's really an opportunity for kids to have a learning space and experience different views of the zoo."
The Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³» Teaching Zoo is the only zoo on a college campus accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Covering 10 acres, the zoo is home to more than 70 species of animals and is maintained by around 100 students enrolled in the college’s Zoo Animal Technology program. It welcomes roughly 70,000 visitors a year to events like Boo at the Zoo — which sees 5,000-7,000 during Halloween.
