The Florida International Teaching Zoo

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

11/26/2025

I found Indigo, FITZ's 12 year old black jaguar dead in her den at her Saturday PM feeding. She was recumbent with her paws tucked as Jags do when asleep. No sign of struggle nor injury. I did find find remnants of a coral snake. No head. My best diagnosis is envenomation. Indy was to be relocated to another zoo prior to FITZ's closure. We were sad to see her leave, and are now sadder to see her passing. For the first time in My and our zoo's Three Decade history, we are not promoting Black Jaguar Reproduction and Husbandry. Indy was feisty, untrustworthy, and beautiful. She will be missed.
Dr. Mark Wilson, DVM

10/28/2025

This 3 generation family group made the trip from our zoo to California recently. It looks like they will be welcomed with open arms!

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — For the first time in its 55-year history, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is introducing a troop of primates. A new group of patas monkeys known as the fastest primates in the world will debut at the zoo next week. The newly renovated Patas Monkey Conservation Habit...

09/02/2025

A 501-C- 3 Not for Profit Corporation
For immediate release:
The Florida International Teaching Zoo (FITZ) after 30 plus years of allowing the public to visit our Teaching
Zoo is closing the Physical Zoo.
DO NOT WORRY, all the animals are placed at respected and accredited zoo facilities.
Dr. Mark Wilson, DVM will continue his work with selected species in his new backyard secluded animal park.
The Zoo Management Program has graduated hundreds of professional & qualified Zoo Animal caregivers.
It is time for the staff, (mainly Dr.Mark Wilson,DVM) to slow down.
BUT we ain't quitting educating people about animals and zoo life.
At the Pre-Covid era Valerie Brown- FITZ Education Director and Dr. Wilson, DVM had begun public animal/zoo lectures.
The FITZ's staff intends to restart an animal/zoo lecture series to be podcast and aired on our New You Tube Channel .
Check our Website in Early 2026 for more information. www.floridazooschool.com
I can not thank y'all enough for three plus decades of support for our Zoo Management Programs at the Florida International Teaching Zoo's and Marion Nature Park locations.

Dr. Mark Wilson, DVM - FITZ Founder, President ,Veterinarian

Florida Teaching Zoo in Bushnell, Florida offers hands-on, nature-based education for preschool and kindergarten children in a fun, engaging outdoor environment. Discover a unique early learning experience rooted in exploration and adventure.

04/27/2025

Exciting Changes Ahead for the Florida International Teaching Zoo!

As many of you know, our lease on the current property will expire on November 30, 2026. With that in mind, we’re preparing for a new chapter and actively looking to purchase our own permanent property to continue and expand our mission.

We’re searching for 0.5 to 1 acre in Marion, Sumter, or Citrus Counties, improved with a mobile home (fixer-upper OK!), and zoned A1A or RUR. This will give us a stable home to keep serving the community for years to come.

We’re so grateful for the incredible support you’ve shown us through the years. Your encouragement fuels our passion for wildlife education, animal care, and community service.

If you know of any suitable properties for sale—or want to be a part of this next phase of our journey—please get in touch. Let’s create the future of the Florida International Teaching Zoo together!

1 866-937-1115

A 501 C3 NOT FOR PROFIT CORPORATION

08/12/2024

Free to approved home: Tucker the emu. You MUST pick up and load no later than Sep 7.

03/08/2024

Help us keep our jaguar!

03/08/2024

Help us raise the funds needed to keep our jaguar in Florida!

The majestic jaguar, a symbol of strength and resilience in the animal kingdom, has become a beloved fixtur… Joe Tardif needs your support for Save The Jaguar

09/27/2023

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/wind-energy-could-get-safer-for-bats-with-new-research/

Wind turbines threaten several bat species, but the Biden administration is funding research to reduce casualties

09/08/2023

We will re open the zoo for the fall season on October 21