Zoo to You

Traveling education program that visits you!

Zoo to You is a traveling, inquiry-based educational program that visits schools, libraries, community centers, senior centers/housing, day care centers, scout groups, etc. Zoo to You's goal is to increase awareness of the animal kingdom and encourage the participants to be environmentally conscience. Each program includes live animals such as birds, reptiles, and invertebrates, among others, and some of the animals may be touchable. We also use biofacts (animal-related artifacts) to create a hands-on experience for the participants. All Zoo to You programs are presented by professional zoo educators. 

What subject matter does Zoo to You teach?

Zoo to You offers programs on a variety of topics. Sample subject areas include adaptations, habitats and endangered species. Our programs are designed for specified age groups and grades according to the New York State Learning Standards. We have programs available for ages 3 through adult. Zoo to You is not suitable for children under the age of 3. Please see our curriculum list for specific program details. Also, please note that most program themes can be adapted to suit both older and younger aged students. We can also design a program to your specific topic needs or on subject matter not included on our curriculum list. Simply mention your request when you reserve your Zoo to You program and we'll do our best to accomodate your needs.

• For a list of program topics and descriptions, please click here.

How many individuals may attend a Zoo to You program?

Programs are designed to foster hands-on, interactive learning. To facilitate this, we recommend that you reserve small group programs (fewer than 30 participants) for your group. We are happy to conduct consecutive programs for several small groups at a discount as well. If your group's schedule requires one large group, auditorium style presentation, we offer those also. If you are planning a group visit to the Zoo, we can conduct your Zoo to You program right here in our classrooms!

• Please click here to see our pricing structure and fees for all Zoo to You programs.

New for 2010!!! Booth Programs for Large Events!

This is a new type of program that Zoo to You can do for your organization. It involves our bringing 3-4 live animals to an exhibit table at your event. We will also bring biofacts (animal-related artifacts) and can present a full Zoo to You program as well.

For questions or to reserve a Zoo to You Program:

Contact the Zoo to You Education Coordinator at (315) 435-8511 x124 or zootoyou@rosamondgiffordzoo.org.

Special thanks to the following for support of the Zoo to You Program:

Want to Know More About Zoo to You...?

Q: What are the operating hours of the Zoo to You program?

A: Zoo to You has a very flexible schedule: weekdays, evenings, and even weekends! Please call (315) 435-8511 x124 to check for availability.

Q: What lessons does the Zoo to You program teach?

A: Zoo to You strives to integrate its message of increasing participants' awareness of the animal kingdom and encourage them to be environmentally conscious into what lessons or subject matter your facility is teaching. Please click here for a list of program options. If you do not see a theme that meets the needs of your group, please ask to speak to the Zoo to You coordinator and the coordinator may be able to arrange for or design a specialized program for your organization. The "Amazing Adaptations" is recommended for those organizations that are interested in a general program on animals.

Q: How long is the Zoo to You program?

A: Each program lasts approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour. The educator adjusts the length of each program based on the interest of the participants. The educator will also shorten or cancel any program if the welfare of the animals is compromised in any way.

Q: How many participants are recommended for each program?

A: The Zoo suggests no more than 30 participants per program. This amount group size allows a more hands-on and interactive approach to teaching about the animals. If you have more than 30 individuals, we recommend more than one program at a reduced rate. If the format of your program only allows for large group numbers we have auditorium-style programs as well.

Q: How much does a Zoo to You program cost?

A: The price of each Zoo to You program depends on the size and location of each program. Click here to see the fee structure for Zoo to You. We request that payment is made in full two weeks in advance to keep your confirmation.

Q: How soon in advance must I reserve my program?

A: We request that each program is booked a minimum of two weeks in advance. That being said, we recommend that you reserve your program ASAP as dates book quickly. Spring (April-June) and Summer (July-August) are the busiest times of year for Zoo to You, and these dates fill up weeks or even months in advance. Call the Zoo at (315) 435-8511 x124 to reserve a program today!

Q: What types of animals will visit my facility and how many?

A: Generally, Zoo to You will bring 3 or 4 animals to your facility. Some of the animals we bring may be touchable in a small group setting (30 or fewer participants). The education collection at the Zoo has a variety of small animals that are specifically chosen for outreach programming. The types of animals we may use depend on the topic of the program, group size, and animal availability. For a list of our outreach animals, please click here. Due to Zoo protocol regarding animal care and scheduling, we are unable to make any guarantees on which types of animals are brought for a program. However, we will strive to bring a variety of animals suitable for your group. If you are scheduling multiple Zoo to You visits for your group, please let us know if you would like us to bring different animals for each visit, so that we may give your group a unique experience each time.