Spring and summer programs give young animal lovers an introduction to the world of wildlife

Brooklyn, N.Y. – March 1, 2012 – The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Prospect Park Zoo has opened registration for spring and summer education programs for children and families.

Beginning in March, these programs offer a glimpse into wildlife, nature, and the environment. Participants will learn about wildlife through a variety of activities including age-appropriate games, crafts, sing-alongs, exhibit visits, and more.

All programs include a meet-and-greet with a few of the zoo’s animal ambassadors, and The Junior Keepers program includes a chance to meet some of the Prospect Park Zoo’s animal keepers.

There are parent-child programs, as well as drop-off programs for older youngsters. For a more in-depth animal adventure, kids can attend week-long summer camp sessions.

Registrations are now being accepted online. For more information and a full list of programs and summer camps, visit www.prospectparkzoo.com/programs, or call 718-399-7327, or email ppzeducation@wcs.org. Programs sell out quickly and registrants are encouraged to sign up early.

KINDER KRITTERS:
4 - 5 year olds, with caregiver
These interactive classes are a must for any animal-loving family. Programs include hands-on activities, animal guests, exhibit visits, keeper chats, and more.

SUNDAY Series
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Discovery Center: March 4
Monkey Business: March 11
Art with the Animals: April 1
Barnyard Buddies: April 15
Scoop on Poop: April 29
Meet the Dingoes and their Friends: May 6

Cost:
1 session only: Members $25; Non-members $30
6–session series: Members $125; Non-members $150
Sign up for the series and get one session free.

MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION:
4 – 10 year olds, with adult
On this day dedicated to moms, guests will meet a variety of animal moms and their babies. Everyone will make tasty treats for some of the zoo animals and embark on an animal moms scavenger hunt. Crafts and a Mother’s Day cake are included.

Sunday, May 13
11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Cost:
Members $40; Non-members $45
Additional kids or adults pay $15 each

JR. KEEPERS
8 – 10 year olds
Kids in this program will help keepers care for the animals. From studying animal behavior to creating enrichment items, participants will have a chance to find out what a keeper’s job entails.

SATURDAY Sessions
10:15 - 11:45 a.m.

Sea lions: April 21
Domestic Animals at the Barn: May 12

Cost:
1 session: Members $35; Non-members $40
2 sessions: Members $60; Non-members $70

ZOO SCIENCE INVESTIGATORS
7 – 10 year olds
Kids will learn hands-on skills like water testing to solve a science mystery. They’ll use the zoo as their lab to solve the case and meet some animals along the way.

Sunday, March 11
12:30 – 2:00 p.m.

Cost:
Members $30; Non-members $35

BUGS, BUGS, BUGS
7 – 10 year olds
Children will learn about the insects that live in the zoo. They will collect insects from various habitats around the zoo and sort the collections to identify the species. Each participant will take home their own insect trap to collect and observe the ones they see in their neighborhoods.

Saturday, April 21
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Cost:
Members $30; Non-members $35

SUMMER ZOO CAMP LISTING

Toddler Camp
2 – 3 year olds, with caregiver
Dates: July 2, 3, 5 and 6
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Kinderzoo
4 – 5 year olds
Dates: June 18 – 22; June 25 – 29
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Week of Wildlife
6 – 7 year olds
Dates: August 13-17
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Zoo Explorer
8 – 10 year olds
Dates: August 6 – 11; August 27 – 31
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Teen Internship
13 – 17 year olds
Dates: July 9 – 27 (Monday – Friday; 3-week session)
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.