Spring Camp 2012: Grade 3–4
Find out how we do what we do at the Zoo! Select as many days as you like from the following:
Monday, April 2: How we take care of animals
What does a keeper do? Find out how we take care of animals at the San Diego Zoo. Meet keepers and educators that care for our animals, and go behind the scenes to learn about what goes into this job.
Tuesday, April 3: How we train animals
Animals are trained for a variety of reasons. At the San Diego Zoo, our Behavior Department trains animals to be in our shows and educate the public and to be guest ambassadors to meet the public and go to off-site programs. Some animals here are even trained to present a body part for a medical exam, making it easier for use to care for them! This day, you’ll meet some of our trainers, their students, and some of our animal ambassadors up close.
Wednesday, April 4: How we feed animals
Learn all about what our animals eat and how their diets are prepared by our Nutrition Department. Go behind the scenes to find out where all that food is stored. And did you know we grow a lot of the animals’ food right here? Find out about our plants and how they are used for food, decoration, and shelter!
Thursday, April 5: How we study animals
A lot of research goes on at the San Diego Zoo. Find out what we study and how we study different animals. Learn about our researchers and see the areas they work in. You’ll also try your hand at photography, as we photograph animals for a variety of reasons. We’ll do a photo scavenger hunt and take some pictures of our own for our own research purposes (and for fun).
Friday, April 6: How we care for baby & sick animals
The medical team at the San Diego Zoo diagnoses and treats illnesses as well as conducts exams on healthy animals. Go behind the scenes at our animal care centers and learn how vets and keepers care for our animals when they are sick AND how we help keep them healthy. You’ll also visit with some of our younger residents and animal parents to see how babies are specially cared for and why it’s especially important that we ensure the survival of endangered animals.
Each of the five days is an individual program focusing on the themes listed. Can’t decide which day you like best? Join us for all of them!
Note: Please be aware that animal presentations and behind-the-scene tours are subject to change based on the health and welfare of the animals as well as the availability of keepers and unforseen exhibit changes. Campers will always visit a variety of animals within our published themes, and staff will do their best to highlight the specific animals mentioned above, but changes do occur. We appreciate your understanding.
