Fall 2015 Education Programs

ABOUT ZOO BOISE EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Zoo Boise’s mission is to connect our visitors with animals to inspire and involve our community in the conservation of wildlife worldwide.  Our programs strive to fulfill the zoo’s mission by providing unique, fun and engaging nature-focused experiences that foster appreciation for animals and their environments as well as raise awareness of conservation issues and possible solutions.  Zoo program activities include up-close animal encounters, zoo tours, ecology games and simulations, science-based investigations & explorations, and zookeeper presentations.

Registration for Fall 2015 Education Programs begin on August 17 for Boise residents.

To register in person visit the Fort Boise Community Center (700 Robbins Road) or call (208) 608-7680.

Friends of Zoo Boise Annual Pass Holders receive discounts on some classes.  If you are a Friends of Zoo Boise pass holder, please be sure to enroll in the activity number listed under the Friends of Zoo Boise Rate to receive the discount. A current pass is required and must be available for proof upon registration and at program check-in.

Want to learn more about Zoo Boise Annual Passes? Click here.

PreSchool Zoo (Ages 3-5)

Get to know some of our Zoo Boise animals better in this series of programs designed for adults & preschoolers. Each week features a different animal. Activities are designed to be multi-sensory and may include mini zoo tours, movement activities, listening to stories, crafts, touching artifacts, and meeting live animals. An adult must enroll and also pay activity fee in addition to the child; maximum of 2 children per enrolled adult. Minimum 10, maximum 20. Cost per person per series: $16 for members, $20 for Boise residents, and $24 for nonresidents.

Series 1 – September

Topics: Armadillo, Patas Monkey, Hornbill, Gecko
09/08/2015-09/29/2015, Tuesdays, 9:30am – 10:30am & 11:00am – 12:00pm

Series 2 – October

Topics: Snake, Maned Wolf, Bat, Owl
10/06/2015-10/27/2015, Tuesdays, 9:30am – 10:30am & 11:00am – 12:00pm

Series 3 – November

Topics: Komodo Dragon, Red Panda, Worm, Snow Leopard
11/10/2015-12/01/2015, Tuesdays, 9:30am – 10:30am & 11:00am – 12:00pm

Family & Friends' Wild Weekends at the Zoo (Ages 6+)

African Savannah Safari

Giraffes, lions, monkeys, zebras, cranes and hyenas – they all live on the African Savanna.  In this class, you and your family will not only experience a guided tour of the Zoo’s savanna animals, you will explore predator & prey dynamics, create a special treat for a savanna animal, visit the zoo kitchen to learn about savanna animals’’ diets, and create your own grassland to take home.  Minimum participants 10, maximum 25.  Cost is per person and includes admission to the zoo.  Children under 18 must be accompanied adult; accompanying adult must register and pay program fee.

Cost per person: $10 for member, $12 for Boise resident, and $16 for nonresident.
10/10/2015, 9:00am – 11:00am

Adult Programs (Ages 18+)

All About Primates

Much has been learned about non-human primates over the last 50 years.  Through this program geared for adults, learn how research on primates in their natural habitat has affected how primates are cared for at zoos.  Observe a primate training session, create a special toy for one of the Zoo’s primates, visit the Zoo Kitchen to learn about primate diet and nutrition, and discover how Zoo Boise’s unique wildlife conservation programs are having a positive impact on wild primate populations.  Minimum 10, maximum 16.

Cost per person: $10 for member, $12 for Boise resident, and $16 for nonresident.
11/14/2015, 9:00am – 11:00am

School Break Mini-Camps

Cost per child per camp: $80 for member, $90 for Boise resident, and $100 for nonresident.

Magnificent Mammals (Grades 1^st– 2^nd)

10/01/2015 – 10/02/2015, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Small as a shrew, large as a whale, “weird” like an anteater!  Mammals come in all shapes and sizes and live on every continent.  We will explore unique characteristics that make up a mammal.  Participant minimum 10, maximum 26.

Mammal Zoology (Grades 3^rd-5^th)

10/01/2015 – 10/02/2015, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Zoologists have identified over 5,400 mammals!  In this camp, we will use our skills as mammal zoologists, to investigate anatomy, behavior and habitats of mammals.   Minimum participants 10, maximum 26.

Weird Wildlife  (Grades 1^st– 2^nd)

10/29/2015 – 10/30/2015, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Armadillo “armor”, jelly “fish”, lizards without legs, birds that “talk” – Zoo Boise is home to many “weird” animals! Just why these animals are “bizzaro” is what we will discover through all sorts of fun animal investigations, observations and games.  Minimum participants 10, maximum 26.

Animal Myths – or Not! (Grades 3^rd-5^th)

10/29/2015 – 10/30/2015, 9:00am – 4:00pm
Blind as a bat.   Sly as a fox.  Wise as an owl.  True or not?  By putting your detective skills to work, you will uncover the truth about animal myths and see how they compare to other mythical animals.  Minimum participants 10, maximum 26.

Homeschool Zoo (Grades K-5)

The Homeschool Zoo program series provides a unique learning experience for students schooled at home. The course consists of classroom discussion, laboratory activities, animal encounters and specialized zoo tours. Starting Fall 2015, classes will align with State Science Standards and focus on topics and principles based on grade level. Themes will emphasize looking at animal groups and taxonomy, adaptations, habitats, and ecology. Each individual household must register their child for the class. Kids only! Please bring a small snack for a 15 minute break during class. Minimum students 10, maximum 25.
Cost per child per class: $5.75.
All classes are from 9:00am – 11:30am.

K & 1^st Grade (Ages 5-6)

09/09 – Classy Animals
10/07 – Growing Up
11/04 – Look & Listen
01/06 – Swing & Swim
02/03 – Weathering Winter
03/02 – Little Scientists

2^nd & 3^rd Grade (Ages 7-8)

09/16 – Survival Skills
10/14 – Habitats
11/11 – Build a Zoo
01/13 – What’s for Dinner?
02/10 – Wildlife Research
03/09 – HIPPO

4^th & 5^th Grade (Ages 9-10)

09/23 – Awesome Anatomy
10/21 – Mountains & Islands
11/18 – Ecosystems
01/20 – Plant Play
02/17 – Junior Zoologists
03/16 – Endangered Species