Education: Wild Animal Park Outreach
Classroom programs
Born to be wild! Make a connection with wildlife and the Wild Animal Park during one of our outreach programs—we'll come to you!
Outreach programs are available to schools in San Diego County only. Each program includes a Wild Animal Park educator, Park animals, an interactive presentation, and resource materials. Maximum attendance is 40 people per program. Reservations are required—call 760-738-5057. Program start time: 9 a.m. or 1 p.m. Fee: $200 for the first program, $100 for each additional program (same school, same day). A mileage fee may apply.
Got a question regarding the all-new Wild Animal Park school programs? Send us an e-mail now!
Grades preschool–K
Wild Animal Moves
Can’t come to the Wild Animal Park? We’ll move and groove our way on over to you! Enjoy movin’ and groovin’ like the animals in this fun critter caper as we explore the world of animal movement. Through multi-sensory and movement-based activities, your students will wiggle and giggle their way to a greater understanding of the natural world. Pre- and post-activities, multi-sensory and movement-based activities, puppets, and an animal presentation are included. Science/Language Arts/Math/Visual and Performing Arts
Grades 1–2
Home Is Where The Animals Are!
Want a wild experience? Invite us to visit, and we’ll show you why home is where the animals are as we build a zoo right in your classroom and discuss the basic scientific elements of exhibit design! Pre- and post-activities, animal presentation, activity sheets, and interpretive props are included. Science/Language Arts/Math/P.E.
Grades 3–5
Owl Diner
Who’s for dinner, or should we say, what was for dinner at the Owl Diner? Participants will meet an owl, discover how alike owls and humans really are, and get their hands dirty investigating owl diets. Pre- and post-activities, animal presentations, and all supplies for the hands-on activitiesare included. Science/History and Social Science/Language Arts/Math/Visual and Performing Arts
Grade 6
The Science of Saving Species
Wild Animal Park educators and their animal ambassadors will take your students on an exciting first-hand journey through landmark achievements and our on-going conservation efforts. See the Park from the perspective of an endangered animal, and discover the difference you can make for animals right here in California and around the world. Pre- and post-visit materials, animal presentation, and interpretive props and biofacts are included. Science/Language Arts/Visual and Performing Arts
Grade 7
Things that Make You Go Ugghh!
How does that all fit in there? Have you ever wondered how a snake can have the same internal body part as an elephant or even a human? Learn all about the how’s and why’s of animal structures and functions. Here’s your chance to be a vet as you use virtual dissections to uncover the truth behind all those things that make you go ugghh! Pre- and post-visit materials, animal presentation, virtual animal dissection kits, and biofacts are included. Science/Math
Grade 8
Flyin’ To You
Have you ever wondered what allows a peregrine falcon to reach speeds of almost 300 mph? Or how a hummingbird can fly backward or a condor to soar over 15,000 feet (3 miles high)? It's all physics! Learn how people reverse engineered what comes natural to birds to allow us to walk on the moon! Pre- and post-visit materials, animal presentation, multi-media presentation, and discussion are included. Science/Math/Technology/Language Arts/Social Studies
Grades 9–12
Careers in Animal Science
AZA? SSP? ABMA? These acronyms and more are used every day at the Wild Animal Park, but what do they all mean? Learn how to decipher these codes and more as we explore the many career opportunities in animal sciences at the Wild Animal Park and around the country. Pre- and post-visit materials, animal presentation, multi-media presentation, and discussion are included. Science
"We loved the assembly. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the springhaas sleeping in the cafeteria. Thank you for letting us see your amazing animals. It was fun when you dressed like a condor! "—Erica, Age 5
