Zookeepers bring reptiles to retirement home

The Oak Hammock retirement community hosted a few unique visitors on Wednesday.

A red-footed tortoise, a prehensile-tailed skink, and a ball python, to be exact.

Santa Fe College zookeepers and other zoo residents presented an informative slideshow about their experiences and knowledge of wildlife and showed off some of their scaly friends.

“Going out and spreading knowledge about what we zookeepers do is part of our mission. We feel like we are making a difference for wildlife,” said Jade Salamone, the SF College Teaching Zoo Conservation Education Curator, in an interview. “Also, it enriches our students. They won’t get this practical experience without community members inviting us in. I am very grateful.”

SF College Teaching Zoo encompasses 10 acres with over 70 species and roughly 200 individual animals. The Zoo Animal Technology program is a two-year program that allows students to receive an associate degree in science.

The teaching zoo at Santa Fe is the only college zookeeper training facility in the U.S. with its own Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited zoo on its grounds. AZA is the highest animal welfare, community education, and conservation standard.

“Having the AZA standard is important for our students going out and finding jobs in the field,” Salamone said.

The Oak Hammock residents looked excited to listen and learn during the presentation. Many individuals asked questions about the animals’ names, ages, diets, and habitats.

A handful of residents even walked up to touch and see the ball python up close.

“I was absolutely excited,” said Oak Hammock resident Lori Hoopes. “I had a meeting scheduled for 10:30 a.m. and quickly moved it back to 9:30 a.m. so that everyone attending that meeting (could) also come to see the animals.

“When we moved here, we didn’t know much about the area or Santa Fe, so learning about the program today was wonderful.”