Kids And Education > Animal Programs
Conservation Education Department
2010 Educational Opportunities
Do you want to have a wild time at the wildest place in Racine? Then check out some of the new educational programs the Zoo is offering this year! To schedule your educational program or to check out a teaching kit, please call 262-636-9580. Programs are scheduled and kits are checked out on a first come first served basis. We fill up quickly! Please have several dates and times in mind when you call to schedule your wild educational opportunity! Don’t forget, Zoo Members receive 10% off any educational opportunity! Be sure to mention your Zoo Membership when booking your program.
Animal Programs
All of our educational animal programs can be conducted at the Zoo or at your facility unless noted otherwise. Please see attached listing of prices. Animal encounters are 30-45 minutes long unless otherwise noted. Standards met are listed at the bottom of the page.
Age-Specific Programs
Animals of the World (appropriate for all ages)
During this animal encounter, students will get up close and personal with mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and arthropods. Students will learn about various animal adaptations and conservation issues. This is a great program to "sample" all of the animals! This program is catered to fit your group's age and grade. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.
Wild Wisconsin (appropriate for all ages)
Discover some of the wild animals that live right here in Wisconsin. During this program, students will get up close and personal with all sorts of animals from Wisconsin. Two major focuses of this program will be how all living things need water and Great Lakes conservation. Students will learn what they can do to help conserve and protect Lake Michigan as well as the animals and their habitats that call Wisconsin home. Students will also explore various animal adaptations and conservation issues. This program is catered to fit your group's age and grade. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.
2-4 Year-Old Programs
Animal Tales
Zoo story time with a twist! During this exciting animal program, students will enjoy an animal themed story and then meet some related animal visitors. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.
Animal Senses
Why do some animals have very long whiskers? How does a snake smell? During this exciting animal program, children will learn how animals use their senses to help them survive. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.
Kindergarden-2nd Grade Programs
Ridiculous Reptiles
What makes an animal a reptile? What do all reptiles have in common? These topics and many more will be explored as children meet and greet several of the Racine Zoo’s reptiles. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.
Picky Eaters
Some animals are very picky eaters! Learn how some animals are only suited to eat certain things by exploring beaks, teeth, and digestion. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.
3rd-5th Grade Programs
Don't Hate Me!
Some animals really have a bad reputation. This program offers children an opportunity to learn why many of natures misunderstood animals are really not that scary and play a very important role in their ecosystems. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.
Creatures of the Night
What happens when we are fast asleep? Fascinating night life comes to light during this program. Discover amazing adaptations that have allowed these animals to be successful in the dark. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.
Animal Training
Learn how the animal care specialists train our animals at the Zoo. Program participants will have the chance to see some animals during a training session and even practice training by playing a fun, interactive training game! This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts. This program lasts approximately 60 minutes.
6th-8th Grade Programs
Careers at the Zoo
Ever wonder how you can become an animal care specialist or a veterinarian? This program offers insight into all of the hard work that goes into working in a zoo. Young people will learn what a typical day is like for an animal care specialist. They will also see a brief training session with an animal. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.
Ecosystems
During this exciting animal program, young people will learn how various animals are adapted to live in their specific ecosystems and learn about those ecosystems. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.
Suitcase for Survival
Learn how the international wildlife trade impacts biodiversity around the world. Young people will examine animal products confiscated from people who broke laws that protect animals. They will also learn how to protect wildlife around the globe by becoming wise consumers. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.
Animal Training
Learn how the animal care specialists train the animals at the Zoo. Program participants will have the chance to see some animals during a training session and even practice training by playing a fun, interactive training game! This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts. This program lasts approximately 60 minutes.
9th-12th Grade Progams
Careers at the Zoo
Ever wonder how you can become an animal care specialist or a veterinarian? This program offers insight into all of the hard work that goes into working in a zoo. Young people will learn what a typical day is like for an animal care specialist. They will also see a brief training session with an animal. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.
Classy Animals
Different animals belong to different taxonomic groups. Young adults will learn how scientists group various animals. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.
Suitcase for Survival
Learn how the international wildlife trade impacts biodiversity around the world. Young adults will examine animal products confiscated from people who broke laws that protect animals. They will also learn how to protect wildlife around the globe by becoming wise consumers. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.
Animal Training
Learn how the animal care specialists train the animals at the Zoo. Program participants will have the chance to see some animals during a training session and even practice training by playing a fun, interactive training game! This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts. This program lasts approximately 60 minutes.
Booking a Program or Reserving a Kit
To book a program or to reserve a teaching kit, please call the Conservation Education Department at 262-636-9580. Please have several dates in mind when calling. Zoo members receive 10% off all education opportunities. To receive your 10% Zoo membership discount, you must present your membership card and photo I.D. before your program. Programs can be paid for with cash, check, or credit card. A $20.00 non-refundable deposit and credit card number are required within 72 hours of booking your program. Full payment is due before your program begins.
Late Arrivals
Due to the popularity of our programs, we may not be able to accommodate your group if you arrive late. Please make every effort to call the Zoo at 262-636-9580 if your group will be arriving late for your program. We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals, but we reserve the right to cancel or adjust program length depending on the availability of staff. No refund will be given to late arrivals.
Cancellations
Cancellations of your visit due to weather or road conditions are your decisions. However, refunds may be given due to extreme circumstances. Programs canceled 48 hours in advance will receive a partial refund. Programs canceled with less than 48 hours notice will not receive a refund. Please call us as soon as possible to let us know of any cancellations, and we will do our best to reschedule. The Racine Zoo reserves the right to cancel any program due to unforeseen circumstances for a full refund.
| Conservation Education Program Pricing 2010 | Pricing |
| Field Trip Rate | |
| To receive discounted rates, you must pre-register 2 weeks in advance. The Racine Zoo reserves the right to determine if your group qualifies for the field trip admission rate. A minimum of 20 people is required to receive the group rate. | $2.00/field trip participant. One free chaperone for every 8 paid participants. |
| On Campus Animal Program | |
| Program price includes a 30-45 minute private animal program as well as general Zoo admission. For all on campus animal programs, there is a minimum charge of $125. | $5.00 per person |
| Off Campus Animal Program | |
| 1-30 People | $120 |
| 31-60 People | $145 |
| 61-100 People | $165 |
| 101-200 People | $220 |
| 201-300 People | $320 |
| 301-400 People | $420 |
| Educational Outreach Booth | |
| Price is listed per hour | $105 |
| Guided Tours | |
| Maximum group of 15 people | $55 |
| Birthday Parties | |
| Birthday Program On Campus and General Zoo Admission for 1-15 Guests | $155 |
| Birthday Program On Campus and General Zoo Admission for 16-30 Guests | $175 |
| Birthday Program Off Campus for up to 30 people (mileage additional) | $135 |
| Zoo Snooze | |
| Monday-Thursday | |
| Chaperone | $20 |
| Child | $40 |
| Friday-Sunday | |
| Chaperone | $25 |
| Child | $50 |
| Deluxe Option | $5 / Person |
| Educational Kits and Curriculum Guides | |
| All kits and curriculum guides require a $50 deposit which will be mailed back to you in full as soon as the complete kit is returned. Kits can be checked out for up to three weeks. | $50 |
| Behind-the-Scenes Tour | |
| 4 to 15 People | $25 / Person |
$175 / Group |
|
| You Belong in the Zoo: Be an Animal Care Specialist for a Day | $125 |
| Zoo members receive 10% off all programs! All off campus programs are subject to a mileage fee of $0.58/mile. Programs beginning after 5:00pm are subject to an extra $50 fee. | |
© 2010 Racine Zoological Society