Careers at the Racine Zoo

Racine Zoo

Conservation Education Department
2008 Educational Opportunities

Do you want to have a wild time at the wildest place in Racine? Then check out some of the new educational programs the Zoo is offering this year! To schedule your educational program or to check out a teaching kit, please call (262) 636-9580. Programs are scheduled and kits are checked out on a first come first served basis. We fill up quickly! Please have several dates and times in mind when you call to schedule your wild educational opportunity! Don't forget, Zoo Members receive 10% off any educational opportunity! Be sure to mention your Zoo Membership when booking your program.

Animal Programs

All of our educational animal programs can be conducted at the Zoo or at your facility unless noted otherwise. Please see attached listing of prices. Animal encounters are 30-45 minutes long unless otherwise noted. Standards met are listed on the last page.

Age-Specific Programs

Animals of the World

During this animal encounter, students will get up close and personal with mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and arthropods. Students will learn about various animal adaptations and conservation issues. This is a great program to "sample" all of the animals! This program is catered to fit your group's age and grade. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.

Wild Wisconsin

Discover some of the wild animals that live right here in Wisconsin. During this program, students will get up close and personal with all sorts of animals from Wisconsin. Two major focuses of this program will be how all living things need water and Great Lakes conservation. Students will learn what they can do to help conserve and protect Lake Michigan as well as the animals and their habitats that call Wisconsin home. Students will also explore various animal adaptations and conservation issues. This program is catered to fit your group's age and grade. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.

2-4 Year-Old Programs

Animal Senses

Why do some animals have very long whiskers? How does a snake smell? During this exciting animal program, children will learn how animals use their senses to help them survive. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.

Beautiful Bugs!

Eww! Bugs are gross! During the Beautiful Bugs! program children will learn that not all bugs are scary. Bug benefits such as pollination and nutrient recycling will be explored. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.

Kindergarden-2nd Grade Programs

Turtle Talk

What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise? Can turtles feel through their shells? Can a tortoise come out of its shell? These topics and many more will be explored as children meet and greet several of the Racine Zoo's turtles and tortoises. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.

Picky Eaters

Some animals are very picky eaters! Learn how some animals are only suited to eat certain things by exploring beaks, teeth, and digestion. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.

3rd-5th Grade Programs

Don't Hate Me!

Some animals really have a bad reputation. This program offers children an opportunity to learn why many of natures misunderstood animals are really not that scary and play a very important role in their ecosystems. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.

Bats

Explore the myths and facts about bats. Children will also learn about some of our native Wisconsin bats. Children will even get the chance to meet a bat. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.

Animal Training

Learn how the animal care specialists train our animals at the Zoo. Program participants will have the chance to see some animals during a training session and even practice training by playing a fun, interactive training game! This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts. This program lasts approximately 60 minutes.

6th-8th Grade Programs

Careers at the Zoo

Ever wonder how you can become an animal care specialist or a veterinarian? This program offers insight into all of the hard work that goes into working in a zoo. Young people will learn what a typical day is like for an animal care specialist. They will also see a brief training session with an animal. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.

Ecosystems

During this exciting animal program, young people will learn how various animals are adapted to live in their specific ecosystems and learn about those ecosystems. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.

Suitcase for Success

Learn how the international wildlife trade impacts biodiversity around the world. Young people will examine animal products confiscated from people who broke laws that protect animals. They will also learn how to protect wildlife around the globe by becoming wise consumers. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.

Animal Training

Learn how the animal care specialists train the animals at the Zoo. Program participants will have the chance to see some animals during a training session and even practice training by playing a fun, interactive training game! This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts. This program lasts approximately 60 minutes.

9th-12th Grade Progams

Careers at the Zoo

Classy Animals

Different animals belong to different taxonomic groups. Young adults will learn how scientists group various animals. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.

Suitcase for Survival

Learn how the international wildlife trade impacts biodiversity around the world. Young adults will examine animal products confiscated from people who broke laws that protect animals. They will also learn how to protect wildlife around the globe by becoming wise consumers. This program is filled with live animals and animal artifacts.

Animal Training

Booking a Program

To book a program, please call the Conservation Education Department at (262) 636-9580. Please have several dates in mind when calling. Zoo Members receive 10% off all education opportunities. To receive your 10% Zoo Membership discount, you must present your membership card and photo I.D. before your program. Programs can be paid for with cash, check, or credit card. A $20.00 non-refundable deposit and credit card number are required within 72 hours of booking your program. Full payment is due prior to your animal program.

Late Arrivals

Due to the popularity of our programs, we may not be able to accommodate your group if you arrive late. Please make every effort to call the Zoo at (262) 636-9580 if your group will be arriving late for your program. We will do our best to accommodate late arrivals, but we reserve the right to cancel or adjust program length depending on the availability of staff. No refund will be given to late arrivals.

Cancellations

Cancellations of your visit due to weather or road conditions are your decisions. However, refunds may be given due to extreme circumstances. Programs canceled 48 hours in advance will receive a partial refund. Programs canceled with less than 48 hours notice will not receive a refund. Please call us as soon as possible to let us know of any cancellations, and we will do our best to reschedule. The Racine Zoo reserves the right to cancel any program due to unforeseen circumstances for a full refund.

Conservation Education Program Pricing 2008	Nonprofit / Schools	Commercial
Group Admission Rate
To receive group rates, you must pre-register 48 hours in advance and be a school, scout group, assisted living home, official club or organization. The Racine Zoo reserves the right to determine if your group qualifies for a group admission rate.	$1/field trip participant, one free chaperone for every 8 paid participants.	$1/field trip participant, one free chaperone for every 8 paid participants.
On Campus Animal Program
Program price includes a 30-45 minute private animal program as well as general Zoo admission. For all on campus animal programs, there is a minimum charge of $105.	$3.50 per person	$4.00 per person
Off Campus Animal Program
1-30 People	$115	$125
31-60 People	$140	$155
61-100 People	$160	$175
101-200 People	$215	$225
201-300 People	$315	$325
301-400 People	$415	$425
Educational Outreach Booth
Price is listed per hour	$100	$110
Guided Tours
Maximum group of 15 people	$55	$65
Birthday Parties
Birthday Program On Campus and General Zoo Admission for 1-15 Guests		$150
Birthday Program On Campus and General Zoo Admission for 16-30 Guests		$170
Birthday Program Off Campus for up to 30 people		$130
Zoo Snooze
Monday-Thursday
Chaperone	$15	$20
Child	$35	$45
Friday-Sunday
Chaperone	$20	$25
Child	$45	$55
Deluxe Option	$4 / Person	$4 / Person
Additional Hot Dogs	$1 / Hot Dog	$1 / Hot Dog
Educational Kits and Curriculum Guides
All kits and curriculum guides require a $50 deposit which will be mailed back to you in full as soon as the complete kit is returned. Kits can be checked out for up to three weeks.	$50	$50
Behind-the-Scenes Tour
4 to 15 People	$25 / Person	$30 / Person
	$175 / Group	$200 / Group
You Belong in the Zoo: Be an Animal Care Specialist for a Day
		$125
Zoo Members receive 10% off all programs! All off campus programs are subject to a mileage fee of $0.50/mile. Nonprofit organizations and schools must provide a tax exempt number.