The Florida International Teaching Zoo

The Florida International Teaching Zoo FITZ believes in
1. EDUCATION
2. CONSERVATION
3. INTEGRATION
4. EXTENSION Florida International Teaching Zoo
P.O. Class size is limited to 15 students per year.

Box 2319 Belleview, Fl USA 34421
352-867-7788-Recorder/800-711-5881-Fax


a 501–C-3 Not for Profit Corporation (SC-1077)
“ A Zoological Association of America Accredited Facility”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact info [email protected] or zoo recorder 352-867-7788-leave message
The Veterinary staff of the Florida International Teaching Zoo is offering a Zoo Animal Manag

ement program with Veterinary Assistant Certification beginning September 2013. The program will consist of academic lectures coupled with hands on experience with the Teaching Zoo animals. Lectures will be held Sunday and Monday nights from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM at the Teaching Zoo classroom located in Bushnell, Florida. Lab times will be a minimum one day weekly, 9 AM to 5 PM at the Teaching Zoo and one weekend public tour day per month. Lecture topics include zoo management /husbandry aspects of animals from apes to zebras to eagles to snakes to crocodiles to big cats to giraffes. Lectures will cover animal diseases, husbandry, and nutrition, medical treatment, housing/exhibit design, emergency procedures, anesthesia, sanitation, f***l analysis, public management and others. Graduates will receive certification from Florida Teaching Zoo. Past graduates are currently employed at zoos, wildlife parks, veterinary clinics, wildlife rescue facilities, circuses, and state wildlife/game departments
The tax deductable tuition fee is $1000 per term (4 terms per year). Monthly payment plans may be requested at $350 per month. We believe in more hands- on, intensive and personal instruction with “ way cool” zoo animals than any other Zoo School. Check out the animals on our website. Due to liability and state restrictions only adults 18 years and older may apply. All applicants must be in good health and free of any zoonotic diseases. Due to the unique nature of work with zoo animals, certain handicap situations are not permissible. Contact: Dr. Mark D. Wilson, DVM- Teaching Zoo Director- 352-867-7788 for a private zoo tour.

07/28/2026

Hector, FITZ'S Patas monkey foundation member is 24 1/2 years old . He is under Hospice care. He is eating, drinking, & in no discomfort.He has good and bad days. Dr. Wilson, DVM, Hector's Dad & veterinarian will determine when he needs to Go Quietly into The Night.

05/21/2026

May 20, 2026
For immediate release:
The Florida International Teaching Zoo (FITZ) is closing its public zoo and zoo management program.
The FITZ Board and Dr. Wilson, DVM, are refocusing FITZ to a public lecture series, pod/vid casts, a YouTube channel, and a secluded endangered species facility.
All of the FITZ animals are relocated to accredited/respected zoo facilities.
Dr. Wilson, DVM, will care for selected rare species at his retirement home.
Dr. Wilson, DVM, and the FITZ staff will continue to offer low-cost pet vaccination clinics and a wellness center to fund FITZ's new educational programs.
The FITZ zoo displays and materials are being offered to the public at greatly reduced prices. FITZ displays are USDA and FFWCC approved.
A jaguar display could be repurposed for big dogs, pitties, or a bad arse chicken coop.
For more information, contact Dr. Wilson, DVM, at [email protected]

05/08/2026

Animal Exchange List
4/30/26

Florida International Teaching Zoo

Mark Wilson
[email protected]

For requests via email, please add a good phone number.

Displays available :

USDA/FFWCC Commissary & Office (On site office Trailer)

Complete /Separate Produce/meat prep tables ,refers',etc. 100amp box ,AC office area, ramps & step porch

All Displays 2"x4" Horse Panels, Mall Clamp bolted

4"x4" Posts - sides & roof, On the Exterior (No interior wood)

Secure lock out /shift/dens area, Extras Complete Panel Tops - Some Panel Floors

All are USDA & FFWCC approved - DIY - you dissemble/reassemble. Will sell as only Materials or as displays.

Spotted Hyena enclosure: 25'x10'x10'

Class I Cats (Puma ,Leopard,Jag): 40'x10'x10'

Class II Primates (Held FITZ's Patas Group): 80'+x8'x10'

Class II Primates (Small Cats: Two units Joined): Each is 8'x6'x8'

Class II Primates (Oval Display- (Can be mounted on raised platform): 16'x5'x10'

Other zoo items available as well (ex. stock tanks ,utility tools, etc.)

Best offer accepted - You transport - Payment can be divided

Address

7725 Fl 48
Bushnell, FL
33513

Opening Hours

2pm - 4pm

Telephone

+18669371115

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