Outreach
Where the Zoo Comes to You!
Outreach programs are available!
Book your program today!
Your school, scout group, community recreation program, library, senior citizen group, or day care center will connect with our education animals as we explore topics from adaptations to zoology. Educational, entertaining, and engaging, our programs are developed for your audience or you can choose from one of our Classroom Programs.
Cost
0 to 15 Miles of Zoo, up to 30 minutes maximum travel time (regardless of mileage).
$200.00 for the first program; capacity up to 30 people (children and adults total); duration is 30-45 minutes.
$125.00 for an additional program; capacity up to 30 people (children and adults total); duration is 30-45 minutes. The second program must be concurrent with the first program.
More than 15 miles from the Zoo, up to 30 minutes maximum travel time (regardless of mileage).
$275.00 for the first program; capacity up to 30 people (children and adults total); duration is 30-45 minutes.
$125.00 for an additional program; capacity up to 30 people (children and adults total); duration is 30-45 minutes. The second program must be concurrent with the first program.
Presentation Needs
For the safety and welfare of our program animals, we require the following:
- a closed classroom for each program (once the program starts, the room is closed)
- a table and chair(s) for the presenter(s)
- access to handwashing during the program
- elevator access if the classrooms are not on the ground floor (no stairs)
- parking immediate to the entrance of your facility
Scheduling
Outreaches need to be scheduled at least 2-3 weeks prior due to other programming obligations. The more advanced notice given, the better we should be able to accommodate your preferred date. Please understand that due to the nature of our work, we are often away from our desks and may need to call or email in the evening or after school hours.
Please include these details in your initial inquiry:
- Your name and phone number or email address spelled out clearly
- Your school or organization name and physical address
- Dates that are possible for your outreach. We will verify our availability or suggest different dates as needed.
- Information about your audience – age level, grade level, number of students to be served and where we are scheduled in your curriculum (are we introducing or expanding upon a topic?).
- Billing address/email or contact person if different from your information.
- Expected start times for each program.
- Any questions you have.
- Best times to reach you.
About our Education Animals
Our education animals are living beings. As such, they have requirements for their safety, comfort and well-being. We cannot be stationed in rooms or venues with other animals present.
Outdoor venues are not approved for outreach locations. Amplified music, bands, construction noise, and loud voices or many voices at once can be problematic for the animals, and such activities should not take place in the same room or nearby.
New Jersey is a “no touch state” which prohibits us from permitting the touching of any non-domesticated species. Our education staff reserves the right to prohibit touching of even our domesticated species based on the zoo staff’s assessment of a situation and the comfort and safety of the animals, the zoo staff, and/or the program participants. To maintain a tactile component to the lessons and to allow for close observation, we utilize biofacts along with our animals. Biofacts are items like fur, feathers, sheds, skull models, and skins suitable to the topic and the animals presented.
When choosing the room for our program, please consider:
- Access to water for hand washing and, if needed, water for the animals.
- Climate controlled rooms with closed or screened windows are best.
- A table upon which we can set animal crates and biofacts; 2 chairs.
- Participants seated in a semi-circle on chairs. Or at desks/tables with space for us to walk safely around the group.
- Up to two programs can be scheduled concurrently on the same day.
- Please have participants move to us rather than us moving to them.
Program Options
Programs are suggested by age; however, please feel free to discuss with us your group’s needs and where we may fit into your curriculum.
Younger Audiences
Description: These programs encourage critical thinking about and meaningful connections to the biology, ecology, and evolution of animals by using guided inquiry, animal ambassadors, and appropriate biofacts to illustrate key scientific concepts and themes. Many of the courses can be adapted across age groups by our educators; please contact us for more information if you’re interested in one of these programs for your students. Programs are 30-45 minutes long . Please see individual program descriptions for details.
- Animal Coverings
Description: Relating to the purpose of our own skins, students investigate the types and functions of animal coverings such as mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. This is a great class even for pre-K children, and generally includes one touchable animal ambassador.
- Animal Adaptations
Description: Students discuss adaptations as a concept and explore examples of both physical and behavioral adaptations as demonstrated by a variety of zoo animal ambassadors.
- Animal Habitats
Description: Every wild habitat supplies its inhabitants with what they need to live, but also presents challenges that must be addressed. Students will explore a few major of habitats, meet some animal ambassadors, discover how habitats provide basic needs and how environmental challenges are managed.
- Animal Enrichment
Description: Students examine the needs of animals, from feeding and cleaning, to providing the mentally and physically stimulating environments that ensure the health and welfare of mind, body, and soul. Includes meeting a few ambassador animals and an enrichment-creating activity.
- Animal Myths
Description: This program presents and analyzes some myths and misconceptions about animals. Students will meet live animals and discover that fact, while different from fiction, is just as amazing.
- Endangered Species and Extinction
Description: What does it mean to be endangered? Students will consider a variety of pathways to extinction and will meet some ambassador animals that illustrate the definitions of endangered or invasive species.
- Distance Learning
Description: TBZ Education Distance Learning is an opportunity for classroom teachers to access TBZ programming remotely. Content can be based on current education programs or tailored to the needs/specifications of the teacher. Distance Learning programs may be a single event, a multiple event arc throughout the school year, or as an introduction to/review of a TBZ field trip.
Older Audiences
Description: Just like our programs for younger folks, these programs encourage critical thinking about and meaningful connections to the biology, ecology, and evolution of animals by using guided inquiry, animal ambassadors, and appropriate biofacts to illustrate key scientific concepts and themes. However, the content and language used in these programs is more advanced and is therefore better suited to a more mature audience; please contact us for more information if you’re interested in one of these programs for your students. Programs are 30-45 minutes long . Please see individual program descriptions for details.
- Zoo Conservation and Stewardship
Description: Caring for our animal ambassadors goes deeper than just feeding and cleaning! Participants in this program will engage in a discussion about the history of zoos and TBZ; the evolution of our conservation, education, and research mission; and what we do to protect and serve wildlife locally and globally. Requires access to a projector and screen.
- Anatomy and Physiology
Description: Using birds as a model organism, students will illustrate and describe the structures, functions, and organization of animals. Includes an extensive display of related biofacts plus an opportunity to meet ambassador animals and discuss how both their internal and external anatomies have evolved to aid in survival. Biofacts will be incorporated into the lesson to illustrate the internal design of our animal subjects. Requires access to a projector and screen.
- Biology, Evolution, and Adaptations
Description: Students will examine the connections between biology, the environment, and adaptive situations that inform the process of evolution in various species. The lesson includes a brief overview of cell division and genetics, followed by discussion of various genetic expressions. Students will learn about the benefit or detriment certain adaptations pose to individual animals, and the effects on their survival in the wild. This program is about 90 minutes (price adjusted) and requires access to a projector and screen.
- Enriching Life (Animal Enrichment and Training)
Description: Touch, target, and tap! Find out how our keepers work with our animals in order to keep them mentally and physically healthy. Learn about the different types of enrichment and training and why it is important here at the zoo.
- Distance Learning
Description: TBZ Education Distance Learning is an opportunity for classroom teachers and organization leaders to access TBZ programming remotely. Content can be based on current education programs or tailored to the needs/specifications of the group. Distance Learning programs may be a single event, a multiple event arc throughout the year, or as an introduction to/review of a TBZ field trip.
Additional Offerings
Distance Learning: TBZ Education Distance Learning is an opportunity to access TBZ programming remotely. Content can be based on current education programs or tailored to the needs/specifications of the group. Distance Learning programs may be a single event, a multiple event arc addressing multiple topics, or as an introduction to/review of a TBZ field trip.
Adults and Senior Living Facilities: We’d love to come visit you! We can tailor most of our outreach programs to the particular needs of your audience; please call or email to discuss a personalized program.
Special Needs Groups: We enjoy providing engaging zoo content-based programs to everyone! Programming for special needs groups is available upon request; please call or email so we can discuss how we might provide the best possible education experience for your group.
Scouts: We have scout specific programs that address badge/journey requirements. We can also modify our existing programs to meet many of the same requirements. Please reach out to speak with an educator.
Custom: Would you like a little zoo-based content at your next event? Let’s talk about how we can work together to bring the zoo experience to your program! Subject to weather, location, and availability with our scheduling.