Animal Tales

Perfect for preschools, day care facilities, and other early childhood centers! Animal Tales introduces the young learner to animal life through a shared story and a hands-on encounter with an Animal Ambassador. A fun learning experience your little ones are sure to love!

Animals to choose from:

• Rabbit
• Hedgehog
• Chicken
• Armadillo
• Lizard
• Snake
• Bugs
• Tortoise
• Parrot
  

Program Fee: $35 for the first presentation, $25 for each additional, consecutive presentation
Multi-visit package discounts are available. Travel and After-Hours fees may apply. Presentation is limited to 25 participants per session.

For more information or to schedule an Animal Tales visit, please contact the Zoo Education Department at (765) 807-1546 or email afrederick@lafayette.in.gov.

ZooMobile Programs

A one-of-a-kind learning experience! Simply select your theme and a Zoo Educator will visit your site along with five Animal Ambassadors for a 50-minute presentation. Whenever appropriate, hands-on encounters with the animals are encouraged. Presentations are available in a variety of themes and are adaptable to all ages. Customized programs are also available with advance bookings. Ideal for the school classroom as program objectives are developed to meet state and national education standards.

Program themes available include:

• Rainforest Explorers
• Desert Discovery
• Wild Africa
• South American Adventure
• Habitat Safari
• Amazing Adaptations
• Animal Kingdom
• Down Under Wonders

Program Fee: $75 for the first presentation, $50 for each additional, consecutive presentation.
Travel and After-Hours fees may apply. Presentations are limited to 35 participants per session.

For more information or to schedule a ZooMobile program, please contact the Zoo Education Department at (765) 807-1546 or email afrederick@lafayette.in.gov.

Zoo Chats

Great for classrooms, scout meetings, and other organized events, Zoo Chats incorporate a short 20-minute lesson on natural history, biofacts, and an encounter with one of the Zoo's Animal Ambassadors. We can customize a Zoo Chat to meet most special topic requests. Career Chats are also available.

Topics include:

• Mammals
• Reptiles
• Birds
• Amphibians
• Invertebrates
• Endangered Species

Chats about specific animals can also be selected. Popular choices include: snakes, hedgehogs, and owls.

Program fee: $45 for first presentation, $25 for each additional, consecutive presentation
Travel and After-Hours fees may apply. Presentations are limited to 35 participants per session.

For more information or to schedule a Zoo Chat, please contact the Zoo Education Department at (765) 807-1546 or email afrederick@lafayette.in.gov.

Schools on Safari

Make your spring field trip the best experience of the year with the Columbian Park Zoo! Available throughout the month of May, each classroom-sized group receives a special program featuring Animal Ambassadors, specially developed teacher resource materials, a self-guided tour of the Zoo, with a set of downloadable scavenger hunts and field investigation logs, and an optional ride on the Columbian Park train! Registration for 2010 Schools on Safari will begin on Tuesday, February 23 at 8:00 a.m.  Call (765) 807-1546 to book your field trip.  Book early for the best choice of dates.

Download Center

• Schools on Safari Informational Flyer

Bring the fun of the Zoo to your nursing home, hospital, or long-term care facility with a Creature Comforts visit. We'll help you give your clients that warm, fuzzy feeling - literally! With Creature Comforts, Zoo Educators bring a friendly Animal Ambassador to either a central gathering spot or for a mingling visit! Our presenters take time to share stories, memories, and warm conversation with your clients, while our furred and feathered friends add their own special touch!

Program fee: $55 for a 45 minute visit
Multi-visit package discounts available. Travel and After-Hours fees may apply. Presentations limited to 35 participants per session.

For more information or to schedule a Creature Comforts visit, please contact the Zoo Education Department at (765) 807-1546 or email afrederick@lafayette.in.gov.

Mini-Zoos

Our traveling Mini-Zoo combines a variety of Animal Ambassadors in their table-top exhibits with high-quality nature interpretation in an informal setting. Patrons are welcome to see, touch, and learn at their own comfortable pace. Zoo Educators are always ready to answer questions and guide visitors on a personalized learning experience. We'll bring the display materials... all you bring is your sense of adventure!

Program Fee: $125 for the first hour, $50 for each additional hour or portion thereof
Maximum of 4 hours. Travel and After-Hours fees may apply.

For more information or to schedule a Mini-Zoo, please contact the Zoo Education Department at (765) 807-1546 or email afrederick@lafayette.in.gov.