School Discovery Programs
The
Virginia Zoo offers informal science education programs designed to
motivate students through interactive live animal presentations while
promoting awareness and encouraging conservation of wildlife and the
environment.
All
of our programs, where appropriate, are designed to reinforce the
Virginia Standards of Learning. Most of these exciting programs can
even be brought directly to your classroom as part of our "Zoo
to You" Program, which indicates a program that is able to travel
to your school. All programs are available on zoo grounds. Please
fill out
a registration form and mail or fax it to us.
For
more information please e-mail us at janice.martin@norfolk.gov
or call (757) 441-2374, ext. 229.
This
symbol 
indicates a program that is able to travel to your school.
Planning
Your Day at the Zoo
- Teacher
Preparation
 Advanced
reservations are required through the education department at 757-441-2374
ext. 229.- After
scheduling your visit, you will receive a reservation confirmation.
- To
avoid the busy season, March through June, schedule your visit between
September and February.
- For
your convenience, you may also register online at www.virginiazoo.org.
If you are visiting the
zoo and do not wish to include an education program, you do not need
to make prior reservations with the zoo.
- Cancellations
- If
you need to cancel a program, please be courteous to others and
do so in advance by calling the Education Department as soon as
possible.
- Our
programs are held rain or shine and will not be canceled except
in cases of extreme weather.
- Visit
Length
- Allow
at least two hours for your zoo visit.
- Students
may need extra time to complete educational activities.
- Inform
Your Chaperones
- Please
bring one chaperone for every 10 children. This chaperone will be
admitted free to the zoo.
- Chaperones
should know your educational goals for the field trip and be able
to guide the children's behavior.
- Chaperones
should remain with students at all times to ensure an enjoyable
visit for all zoo patrons.
- Animal
Feeding
- Feeding
of the animals is not allowed except at the duck pond. Appropriate
food is provided in the duck feeder machines and can be purchased
for .25.
- Bus
Parking
- During
the busier months, March-June, a Greeter will meet you at the entrance
to the parking lot and instruct your bus driver where to unload
your children and park the bus.
- Lunches
- Outside
food is not permitted in the zoo, please plan to store your lunches
on your bus and eat lunch in Lafayette Park after your zoo visit.
- For
information regarding table reservations and fees in Lafayette Park,
call Norfolk City Recreation, Parks, and General Services at 441-5834.
- If
you would like to re-enter the zoo after eating your lunch, please
notify the attendant at the zoo ticket booth of your plans.
- The
zoo has a full service restaurant if your class chooses to eat on
grounds. You will need to pre-order and pre-pay for your meals if
you choose to eat at the restaurant. Click
here for details. Please call the Education Department for more
details.
- You
Determine Your Group's Behavior
- Be
sure to explain and model the good behavior you expect to see at
the zoo.
- Please
remain on designated pathways.
- Keep
food and drinks in outdoor locations.
- Be
considerate of other zoo visitors and the animals that live here.
Zoo
Packs
For your convenience, you can choose from many items in our gift store
prior to your trip and we would be happy to prepare Zoo Packs for
your class and have them ready and waiting for you when you arrive
at the zoo. This is a great idea for teachers who wish to avoid waiting
in lines and last minute decisions with school groups. Please call
the Education Department for more details.
More
Information: Hours, Admission,
and Directions | Zoo Map
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