Additional Programs
School-site Visits
A ZOO VISIT WITHOUT LEAVING YOUR SCHOOL
The basic philosophy of the Alexandria Zoo is to encourage groups to visit the Zoo for programs if possible. Programs presented in the Zoo's Education Center and on the Zoo grounds provide a unique experience for students. Having our staff remain on-site to interact with visitors and to present programs and activities is a primary concern for us. However, we are available for school visits on a limited basis.
Teacher requests for school site programs are filled on a first-come, first-served basis and are determined by the availability of the staff or trained volunteers. A MINIMUM of three weeks is needed to prepare for an on-site visit. The earlier you contact us, the greater your chance of scheduling a program.
School site programs consist of a 45-60 minute presentation that includes live animals and/or related bio-facts or artifacts. Live animals used for these programs are usually reptiles. The programs are conducted by Education Assistants, other Zoo staff, or Zoo Docents. On occasion, Zoo Explorers (teen-age volunteers) or college interns may assist.
Topics may be requested to correspond with current classroom study and a conservation message is always included. Presentations are available on adaptations (particularly beaks and feet), migration, classification, animal careers, predators, food web/chains, and Louisiana. Presentations are also available that target a particular animal. Examples include: the American alligator, the African hedgehog, snakes, and tortoises.
The Alexandria Zoo has produced a series of videos featuring Alexandria Zoo animals that are included in school site visits. Video titles include Zookeepers/Catching Alligators/Animal Health Care/Eat Out at the Zoo/Louisiana Habitat/The Red Wolf/Behavioral Enrichment and more.
Schools are encouraged to visit the Zoo as a follow-up to the school-site presentation.
Fees for School-site Programs
- $50.00 for schools within a 30 mile radius of the Alexandria Zoo (limit 35 students)
- $100.00 for schools over 30 miles but less than 60 miles from the Zoo (limit 35 students)
- $50.00 for each additional program at the same site on the same day.
- No more than 3 programs per site per day.
Contact your Title I coordinator, your PTA/PTO president or your school's partner in education for help for funding a school-site visit or your zoo visit.
Contact the Zoo's Education Department at 473-1143, Ext. 6815 to receive additional information or schedule a school-site program.
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