The Zoo Education Department offers programs designed to help students of all ages and abilities learn through experience, involvement and discovery.
Meeting Your Expectations
Animals are the central focus of our programs. We understand that seeing and touching a living animal can make a life-long impression and create strong connections to the living world. If your class participates often in our programs, you may see the same animal(s) more than once. The number of animals used in the class is determined by the length of the class.
Please note: Due to the needs of our animals, we cannot guarantee a specific animal species for your class. All animals presented will be appropriate for the program theme chosen. Also, due to the variety of programs offered, we are unable to accommodate special instructor requests. Thanks in advance for your understanding and cooperation.
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
For a complete list of school programs and tours, click on the School Programs Table (67K pdf).
Attention Teachers and Group Leaders!
All schools and groups are now required to register before visiting the Zoo. Please take a moment to let us know when you are coming, by completing the school / group registration form. When you arrive at the Zoo, please check in at one of the Welcome Desks located at both Zoo entrances. Whether you are scheduled for an educational program or tour, or just planning to tour the Zoo on your own, completing this information provides us with the necessary information to better serve your group, particularly in the event of an emergency. For questions regarding group registration, please call (314) 646-4544. Please note: the school / group registration form is required only for group tracking purposes. To order group tickets and meals, please contact the School Group Sales Office at (314) 646-4566 or foodgroupsales@stlzoo.org.
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.
Respect the Animals
We want your Zoo visit to be a valuable learning experience for your students. One thing we hope visitors learn is respect for our Zoo animals, and for all wildlife. When you're on Zoo grounds, please help us keep our animals safe and our grounds beautiful. Do not allow students to throw food or other items into the animal exhibits, or try to touch the animals. Please respect our flowers and plants by not picking or collecting them. While touring the grounds, be mindful and courteous of other visitors around you. Thanks for your cooperation.
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.
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