Education Department Fact Sheet

Education plays a vital role at the Virginia Zoo. The Education Department provides quality animal, plant and wildlife conservation programs for children year round. Last year, we served over 35,000 people through programs and special events. Over 15,000 of these patrons participated in formal education programs. Many more are reached through keeper demonstrations and tours scheduled throughout the year. We generally serve two groups of people - school groups/community groups and family programs. All of the programs designed for school groups meet the Virginia State Department Standards of Learning Objectives.

Let the Virginia Zoo be your window to the world as you tour our beautiful 53 acres of professionally landscaped grounds and spacious animal exhibits. While observing over 400 species of animals, you will discover how they have their own niche in the animal kingdom and how they are an integral part of the biome in which they live. To enhance the education opportunities offered by your zoo visit, add an interactive education program where you will meet live animals up close to take your group on a guided tour of the zoo to learn exciting and fun facts.

School group programs include: Tours, live animal presentations for grades K-12, outreach programs, uniquely designed programs for children (such as docent for a day and multicultural programs), teacher workshops and programs for pre-K, early childhood education. 7 teacher workshops are currently being featured - Project WET; Project WILD; Biodiversity Basics (partnering with World Wildlife Fund), Creating Schoolyard Habitats (partnering with National Wildlife Federation); Waste in Place - Keep America Beautiful; Animal Behavior and Wildlife Mapping. Earn recertification points for selected workshops through Old Dominion University.

The education department participates in the "Suitcase for Survival" project, operated by the World Wildlife Fund. This hands-on lesson plan, accompanied by confiscated illegal wildlife trade items, focuses on teaching children about the importance of conservation and wildlife. Joining forces with the Ocean Project, the Virginia Zoo Education Department aims to significantly increase the success of ocean conservation. The EcoAction Club, a pilot program for underserved schools was organized with the help of the Norfolk Environmental Commission, NAUTICUS, 4-H, Storm Water, and Hoffler's Creek. Staff also collaborated with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to begin an Oyster Conservation Project. The Sensory Safari Program, created for mentally and physically disabled children, brings specific animals to those unable to visit the zoo. Over 1,000 disabled children have participated in this age appropriate program offered to all public, private and in-care facilities.

Programs for our members and other interested persons include:
    -Sensory Safari Program
    -Summer Safari Day Camp
    -After-School Enrichment Program
    -Family Matters African Folk-Tails Adventure Series
    -Family Wildlife Adventures
    -Cub Club (2-3 year olds)
    -Discovery Club (3-5 year olds)
    -Spring Break Camp/Winter Exploration Camp
    -Parents Time Out
    -Camp out at the Zoo
    -Scout Snooze - Badge in a Day
    -Birthday Parties
    -Adult Lecture Series
    -Horticulture Programs for disabled persons
    

Programs for school groups include:
    -Preschool Hatchling
    -K-3rd Grade Discovery Programs
    -Animals in Art
    -4th-6th Grade Discovery Programs
    -7th -12th Grade Discovery Programs
    -Guided Tours
    -Custom Programs
    -Suitcase for Survival
    

Many other programs are available - call (757) 624-9937 ext. 229.