Education: San Diego Zoo Assembly and Classroom Programs
Note: All assembly programs are also available in the San Diego Zoo's Otto Center auditorium. The maximum group size is 200 students and adults per assembly. The regular assembly fees are applied. Admission to the Zoo is complimentary for San Diego County schools within the ratio of one adult per five students in grades K–2, one adult per ten students for grades 3–12.
Assemblies (at your school or at the Zoo)
All assemblies feature live animal presentations, either the Zoo's zany, good-natured wildlife research, Dr. Zoolittle, or the musical adventurer, Wild Wes, along with a Zoo educator, fun and learning, and a coupon for each student providing free admission to the Zoo (when accompanied by a paid adult).
Length: 45–50 minutes Maximum: 350 people Fee: $350 for first assembly and $200 for each additional assembly (same day, same school, same room location). A mileage fee may apply. Due to a generous donation, some schools qualify for a free program. Call for details.
Grades K–3
Be A Planet Protector with Wild Wes
Find out how youngsters can make a difference for conservation, what to do, when to do it, and how to tell others. You'll meet Wild Wes and have the chance to be part of the show, learn some really cool facts about animals and conservation through music, and meet two special Zoo animals. Life Science/Ecology/Music
Travel the Globe: Music, Wild Wes, & Wildlife
This musical adventure offers a global look at wildlife and takes students around the world with the engaging Wild Wes, exploring wild places and exotic animals. Wild Wes gets every student involved with songs about animals and their habitats. Two special Zoo animals join in the fun. Geography/Life Science/Music
Grades K–8
Dr. Zoolittle Explores Nature's Tricks
Dr. Zoolittle will dazzle students with astounding feats of magic. An animal visitor from the San Diego Zoo will help teach kids about some of the "magic" animals use to survive in the wild. Life Science/Adaptations
Dr. Zoolittle & the Icky, Yucky, Gross Bugs
Bugs are important, and students will find out why in this entertaining, amazing, buggy presentation. They will learn how bugs help keep the planet clean, and how they can help with recycling. They'll also get to meet lots of bugs and a Zoo insectivore too! Life Science
Watershed Wizards NEW!
Students create their own rainstorm, participate in a drum activity, and experience interactive storytelling with the zany Dr. Zoolittle. Animal presentations and audience participation enhance the fun as students are encouraged to become stewards of their local watershed through easy action steps. Life Sciences, Earth Sciences, Ecology
Grades 3–8
Dr. Zoolittle Explores Endangered Species
Through animal presentations and audience participation, students will discover how researchers at the Zoo are making important strides in preserving habitats and wildlife around the world. Dr. Zoolittle includes the entire audience in an exploration of disappearing wildlife as the students help solve the mystery of one amazing animal. Life Science
Dr. Zoolittle's Eco-Heroes
Students are encouraged to become champions of the Earth through easy action steps. Our Zoo animal ambassadors—nature’s eco-heroes—help teach students simple changes in their daily activities that can help keep habitats healthy for wildlife. You can be an Eco-Hero by conserving energy and water every day. Life Science, Earth Science
Classroom outreach program
Grades preschool–2
Length: 45 minutes. Maximum: 35 per group (students and adults) Fee: $200 for first at-school classroom assembly and $100 for each additional program at the same site, same day. A mileage fee may apply.
Critter Coverings, presented by Fisher-Price
Using animal presentations and hands-on props, Critter Coverings is a program designed for young children. A reptile, bird, and mammal are used along with props to help children focus on the coverings of each animal group. A closing song is also part of the program. Life Science, Adaptations, Classification
Growing Up Green NEW!
Even the youngest students can be super heroes for the Earth! Animal presentations and fun activities emphasize how easy it is to be green. Life Sciences, Physical Sciences
Grades 3–6
Length: 45 minutes. Maximum: 45 per group (students and adults) Fee: $200 for each program and $100 for each additional program at the same site, same day. A mileage fee may apply.
Go Green
Zoo educators, Dr. Zoolittle, and Zoo animals will come to your classroom for a fun-filled visit of games and activities. Discover simple ways to make your classroom greener as you help wildlife and habitats. Life Science
Go With the Flow NEW!
An introduction to the local watershed is followed by a rotation through three interactive Discovery Stations where students use their problem-solving skills to solve watershed challenges. Life Sciences, Earth Sciences
Grades 7–12
Bioinspiration—Nature’s Best Ideas NEW!
Introduction to the concept of biomimicry--the science of taking inspiration from nature. Features hands-on activities that allow individual students a chance to foster creativity and think in new and innovative ways. Optional: A follow-up session is available for in-depth studies. Life Sciences, Biology, Ecology, Evolution
