Leaders in the Global Biomimicry Movement

We have partnered with the City of San Diego and local universities to become the world’s first biomimicry hub.

Biomimicry in Action

Read all about innovations that have been inspired by nature.

Biomimicry: The Next Wave of Innovation and Sustainability

San Diego Zoo Global actively promotes biomimicry, where nature’s solutions are applied to innovation and to solve human design problems. Not only are these solutions innovative and elegant, they are completely closed loop and in harmony with the ecosystem. If we can learn to design, manufacture, and live according to nature’s principles, we can develop the tools needed to transform and sustain life in our world.

The San Diego Zoo offers introductory biomimicry workshops for students of all ages.

Student and Educator Biomimicry Workshop

This three-hour workshop is aimed toward college-level students and/or professional educators. Included during this program are presentations to introduce the concept of biomimicry as well as hands-on activities that will allow individuals a chance to foster creativity and think in new and innovative ways. Workshop attendees will then venture out into the Zoo on a private tour with a Zoo educator. The San Diego Zoo and its wealth of plants and animals will be viewed from a biomimicry perspective. Included in the tour is a behind-the-scenes experience with some of our Zoo animals. After participating in the Biomimicry Workshop, attendees will have gained a deeper understanding of the concept of biomimicry, how to help students view nature through a biomimicry lens, and the capability this field has to foster sustainability in human practices.

Location: San Diego Zoo
Dates: Monday through Friday (subject to availability). Start times: 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
Ratios: Minimum: 9 people; Maximum: 36 people. 
Cost: $30 per person without college pass; $45 per person with semester-long college pass for students

High School Biomimicry Workshop

This workshop is aimed toward introducing high school students to the subject of biomimicry. Included in this program are several hands-on activities to introduce the concepts and explore creative potential, an introductory presentation to familiarize students with the subject as well as the Zoo’s involvement, and an interactive scavenger hunt in the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Also included in this workshop is a behind-the-scenes tour of the LEED-certified Arnold and Mabel Beckman Center for Conservation Research, which houses the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research, the largest zoo-based multidisciplinary research effort. Students will have the unique opportunity to learn about an up-and-coming discipline and become true biomimics, applying their knowledge of the natural world to real human design problems.

Location: San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research
Dates: Monday through Friday (subject to availability) Start times: 9 a.m.–noon
Ratios: Minimum: 10 people; Maximum: 36 people

Business Professional Biomimicry Workshop

This workshop is aimed toward business professionals seeking a deeper understanding of the concept of biomimicry. Included during this program are presentations to introduce the concept of biomimicry, as well as hands-on activities that will allow individuals a chance to foster creativity and think in new and innovative ways. Workshop attendees will then venture out into the Zoo on a private tour with a Zoo educator. The San Diego Zoo and its wealth of plants and animals will be viewed from a biomimicry perspective. Included in the tour is a behind-the-scenes experience with some of our Zoo animals. After participating in the Biomimicry Workshop, attendees will have gained a deeper understanding of biomimicry concepts and how they can be useful tools for fostering innovation and sustainability in business, industry, and design.

Location: San Diego Zoo
Dates: Monday through Friday (subject to availability)
Ratios: Minimum: 9 people; Maximum: 36 people
Cost: $600
*Please Note: This workshop is sold solely in conjunction with our Monkey Business corporate packages.

Biomimicry Special Tour

Tour groups will be treated to a two-hour, private bus tour that explores the San Diego Zoo’s grounds. Special biomimicry-themed information will be presented while viewing our extensive collection of plants and animals. In addition, the tour includes a stop at two behind-the-scenes areas with some of our Zoo animals. A short, introductory activity to biomimicry is also included during this tour.

Location: San Diego Zoo
Dates: Monday through Friday (subject to availability)
Ratios: Minimum: 15 people; Maximum: 40 people
Cost: $200

For more information, please contact Dena Emmerson at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 619-231-1515, ext. 5477.