Teachers

Tips for making your visit to the zoo more enjoyable!

School Discount

Group admission rates of $3/person apply only to groups with 12 or more students. To receive this discount, you must schedule your visit at least 2 weeks in advance, provide 1adult for every 8 students up to the age of 15 and make one admission’s payment for all.

Be Prepared!

Students must be dressed appropriately for the weather. There are over a mile of trails on zoo grounds so good walking shoes and layered clothing is advised. Your group will get much more out of the visit if you can incorporate a specific topic into their curriculum. Feel free to call the Education Department for ideas and fact sheets. Concessions are not always available at the zoo; you may bring lunches and eat them at the plaza.

Review the Rules

Zoo rules are for the safety of our visitors and our animals, please go over them with your students and chaperones prior to your visit. Chaperones are responsible for the behavior of their group. Students are expected to be under the supervision of their chaperones at all times while at the zoo.
  • Please do not throw objects into the exhibits or tease the animals.
  • Please do not feed our free-roaming wildlife, the little squirrels will bite!
  • Please do not feed any of the collection animals unless there is a specified feeder for this purpose.
  • Please stay on the people-side of the barriers, do not climb on, or over, the exhibit barriers.
  • Unruly groups may be asked to leave zoo grounds.

Collect All Fees

Collect admission fees from your students and chaperones in advance. Have the admission fees and a correct head count ready to present at the gate upon your arrival. Family memberships do not apply to school tours or school visits. All current classroom zoo memberships are accepted.

Gift Store

If your plans include shopping, please allow adequate time. We ask that you limit the number of children in the store to 8 (with chaperone) at a time for shopping. Staff is happy to put together souvenir packages if prior arrangements are made 2 weeks in advance.

Please be Prompt

If you are scheduled for a guided tour or program and you know that you will be late or must cancel, please contact the Education Department as soon as possible. The number is: 406-652-8100x2