Programs for School Groups

The Zoo Education Department offers programs designed to help students of all ages and abilities learn through experience, involvement and discovery.

Animals are the central focus of our programs. We understand that seeing and touching a living animal can make a lifelong impression and create strong connections to the living world. Because we don't want to disappoint anyone, we want you to have reasonable expectations of animals used in classes. If your class often participates in our programs, you may see the same animal(s) more than once. The number of animals used in a class is determined by the length of the class. For example, in a 45-minute class, please don't expect more than three animals. Our instructional staff has much to share beyond animal contact.

A Thematic Approach to Zoo Education

Our programs, including overnights and tours, have been grouped into major themes to help teachers choose appropriate programs to fit school curriculum or classroom units. Each theme has offerings at different grade levels, beginning with general introduction of concepts and moving toward more specific topics and concepts of increasing complexity.

Themes:

• Ecology
• Classification/Animals
• Conservation
• Adaptation

To get useful information on parking (including the need for parking permits for buses on Forest Park streets!), food and other services that will help make your Zoo visit more enjoyable, click on What to Know Before You Go.

Make your field trip to the Zoo much easier on yourself and the kids. Take advantage of our School Group Discounts.

School Outreach Programs

While we're always happy to have school groups come to the Zoo to take a program, we know it is not always possible. So we also offer outreach programs for schools -- so you can have the Zoo come to you! Check on our many outreach programs for school groups.

Edward Jones is a proud supporter of the Saint Louis Zoo's Education Department and its conservation education programs.