Queens Zoo

Animal Alphabet (Pre-K)

Your students’ adventure will begin with a rousing rendition of the alphabet song, then continue with up-close encounters with turtles and other animals. Early learners will recognize, identify, and write letters to solve wildlife word puzzles. From antelopes to widgeons, your students will discover a living alphabet at their fingertips.

Time: 60 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day

Animal Nutrition (6th–8th Grade)

How much does a bison eat? Do the Andean bears really eat fruit? Students will study the differences between omnivores, carnivores, and herbivores at the Zoo. They’ll learn how keepers handle the dietary needs for the animals by studying various animal diets, observing animals at exhibits, and taking a behind-the-scenes look at how foods are prepared at the Zoo.

Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day

Animal Survival Needs (K–2nd Grade)

In this program, students will explore what a habitat is and identify the living and non-living parts. Students will recognize what animals need from their habitat to survive and how they get it. From a snake’s tongue to an owl’s ears, up-close observations of animals in the classroom along with visits to zoo exhibits will allow students to compare the similarities and differences among animal senses.

Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day

Birds (1st–3rd Grade)

From feathers and beaks to eggs and nests, students will learn about the major characteristics of birds. After examining different types of feathers to determine their functions, students will partake in a round of Birds Fly… Why Can’t I? Visits to zoo exhibits and in-class observations of a couple of fine-feathered friends will complete this all-avian adventure.

Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day

Endangered Wildlife (3rd–5th Grade)

What are the major causes of wildlife endangerment and extinction? How have people changed the natural world over time? In this program, students will investigate Threats to Wildlife Boxes and visit the zoo’s exhibits. They’ll discuss issues related to the development or protection of wildlife areas and leave this program with an understanding of conservation actions they can do every day.

Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day

Enriching Experiences (6th–8th Grade)

Zoos spend a great deal of time providing their animals with behavioral enrichment. Learn about the different foods, toys, and activities that the keepers give to the animals daily that enhance their physical and mental well-being.. Through observations and the use of ethograms, students will learn how these things positively affect an animal behavior.

Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class
$100 for each additional class Maximum of 4 classes per day

Mammals (1st–3rd Grade)

Students will begin this program by sorting photos that demonstrate the amazing diversity of mammals. Then, they will explore Mammal Clue Kits to discover the unique characteristics of mammals and learn what sets them apart from other classes of animals. Up-close encounters with some furry friends along with visits to zoo exhibits make this program an excellent learning opportunity.

Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day

Oh Behave! (High School)

Through studies of animals in the Zoo, students will learn how important it is to provide enriching experiences for the animals in our care. Students will prepare items that can be used to enrich particular animal exhibits and then using an ethogram they will study the effect of those items before and after they are introduced. This is an in-depth opportunity or students to see how Zoo keepers are involved in caring for out animal collection.

Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class
$100 for each additional class Maximum of 4 classes per day

School Reservation Information

Size and Shape (K–2nd Grade )

Some animals are long and thin while others are round like a ball. Through small group work and in-class visits with animals, students will compare and contrast sizes and shapes and recognize these as adaptations that help an animal survive. Science-based activities exploring measurement as well as how animals grow and change also support English language art and math skills.

Time: 90 minutes
Fee: $200 for the first class; $100 for each additional class / Maximum of 4 classes per day