Just about every local zoo offers some sort of zoo education program for students, parents, teachers and individuals who are interested in animals, conservation efforts or the zoo keeper’s daily tasks. Sometimes you can get a glimpse of animals moving about at night, while other times you can try your hand at creating your own zoo animal exhibit. There are activities, tours and special lectures for visitors of all ages. Read on about some of the best animal education programs.
A London Zoo has recently received two awards for its zoo education programs. In 2004, the United Kingdom’s Chester Zoo won the Sandford Award (run by The Council for Environmental Education). Judges called the Chester zoological park “an excellent resource” and said that “nothing could compare to seeing live, wild animals at close quarters.” In 2009, the zoo won this same award again. Zoo head of Discovery and Learning, Stephen McKeown, explained: “The awards take into account our whole approach to conservation education, including taught educational discovery programs for schools, interactive materials, award-winning signage at animal enclosures around the zoo and extensive library facilities. What makes us different from a normal classroom is the environment we occupy and the 7,000 animals within it. Seeing and handling things from live snakes to snake skins and exploring the x-rays of animals opens up a whole new world that more and more students are now taking advantage of.” The Chester Zoo is just one of many parks offering unprecedented access to exotic animals.
Many opportunities are available for zoo education at the Houston Zoo. As their mission statement plainly says: “By promoting connections with the natural world through diverse learning experiences, we strive to empower others to inquire, act and conserve.” Teachers and students can visit the zoo for free and enjoy a number of special activities, including an Adventure Class (where students touch animals and artifacts in a hands-on lab simulation), Eco-Tracks (where students watch a 30-minute video and take a self-guided tour) or Critter Encounters (where students watch a factual 20-minute presentation). There are also overnight adventures, which include dinner, continental breakfast, interactive activities, petting zoos, guided walks and two park admissions for $45. Kids ages 10-12 can attend Zoo Keeper Camp to learn about the day-to-day activities of animal caregivers for $425. Other “Zoofari” camp events allow children to build their own large-scale animal zoo, learn how species adapt to new environments and partner up with conservationists.
Some zoos cater more to little ones with their zoo education programs, trying to instill an early interest in animals, biology and conservation, while other zoo programs concentrate on making it easier for older kids to learn about zoo philosophy, zoo keeper’s activities and pursuing a rewarding life-long career as a veterinarian, animal caregiver, animal exhibit designer, zoo director, animal trainer expert, breeder of baby animals or nonprofit organizer. There are ample opportunities to make a difference in this world, but how many are as rewarding and enjoyable as a career at the zoo?
Beth Kaminski is the co-author of Curing Your Anxiety And Panic Attacks which detailed anxiety therapy as well as tips on the various medications for panic disorder available at anxietydisordercure.com.
Kids and Teens • November 20th, 2009 •