Mini camps and teen internships are among programs to choose from

Zoo introduces a new program for children with autism

Register at www.centralparkzoo.com

New York – Aug. 21, 2012 –The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo is now accepting registrations for the fall/winter 2012/13 season of educational programming.

A variety of programs are available for adults, families, and children of all ages. Perfectly Penguin, a new program designed specifically for children with autism and their families, will incorporate games, sing-alongs, and crafts.

The line-up of programming includes:

Toddler Time

Ages 2 to 3 with adult

Kids will meet a variety of furry, scaly, and feathered zoo animals in this one hour/six-session interactive program. Crafts and musical activities are part of the fun.

Available Sessions:

Tuesday Series starting September 25; 10 and 11:30 a.m.

Saturday Series starting September 29; 10 and 11:30 a.m.

Fee: $150, members; $180 non-members

Kinder Kritters

Ages 4 to 5 with adult

Preschoolers will enjoy this fun-filled four-session program that will include live animal encounters,song, games and animal-themed crafts.

Available Sessions:

Wednesday Series starting October 17; 1:30 p.m.

Saturday Series starting October 27; 10 a.m.

Fee: $125 members; $100 non-members

Fall Fiesta – Family Program

Ages 4 to 8 with adult

Participants will celebrate autumn by carving pumpkins, enjoying fall-themed snacks and meeting animals.

Available Session:

Saturday, Oct. 28; 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Fee: $45 members; $50 non-members

***NEW: Perfectly Penguin – A class for families with children with autism

Ages 4 to 8 with adult

This is a new program for autistic children and their families that will include games, sing-a-longs and “cool” crafts.

Available Session:

Monday, Nov. 12; 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Fee: $45 members; $50 non-members

Winter Photo Adventure – Family Program

Ages 6 to 18 with adult

Participants will bring their cameras and go on a wildlife safari at the zoo. Digital camera required.

Available Session:

Saturday, Feb. 2; 9 – 10:30
Fee: $45 members; $50 non-members

Penguin Expedition – Family Program

Ages 4 to 8 with adult

Participants will go on a “chilly” expedition at the zoo, guided by costumed character Petunia Penguin to learn about Antarctic habitats.

Available Session:

Monday, Jan. 21; 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Fee: $45 members; $50 non-members

Celebrate Urban Birds - Youth Program

Ages 7 to 10

Kids will go on a scavenger hunt at the zoo to find wild birds using the zoo as a stopover on their long migration route. A special bird encounter is included.

Available Session:

Sunday, Oct. 14; 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Fee: $35 members; $40 non-members

Winter Wetland Ecology - Youth Program

Ages 7 to 10

Kids will learn what lies beneath snow and ice of the zoo’s ponds and streams in this class taught by a staff urban ecologist.

Available Session:

Saturday, Feb. 9; 10 – 11:30 a.m.
Fee: $35 members; $40 non-members

Buggy Series: Lady Bug Release Party - Youth Program

Ages 7 to 10

Insects are everywhere. In this class taught by a staff urban ecologist, kids will learn about the ones that make the zoo home. Bug collection and identification is part of the fun.

Available Session:

Saturday, Nov. 18; 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Fee: $35 members; $40 non-members

Winter Zoo Camp

Two groups for ages 6 to 10

This is a chance for kids to spend winter break at the zoo. This two-day camp includes a variety of hands-on activities such as live animal encounters, theater performances, crafts and more. Snacks will be provided. Children must bring their own lunch.

Available Session:

Thursday and Friday, Dec. 27 – 28; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fee: $150 members; $175 non-members

Mid-Winter Camp is also available. Here kids will participate in meeting live animals, take in a 4D movie and make crafts.

Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 20 – 21; 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Fee: $150 members; $175 non-members

Junior Keepers

Two groups for ages 8 to 10

Kids will roll up their sleeves and help keepers care for the animals in this interactive, hands-on program. Participants will study animal behavior, create toys for the zoo’s residents, and take part in other wildlife-learning activities. Various sessions are planned. See www.centralparkzoo.com for details.

Zoo Internship

High-School Students ages 13 - 17

Students will have a chance to explore the field of wildlife studies. The internship will offer an in-depth look at a variety of zoo careers including vet medicine and conservation.

Available Session:

Five Saturdays in winter: January 5, 12, 19, 26 and Feb. 2; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Fee: $600 members; $700 non-members

Adult Programs:

Fall Photo Class

Participants will learn how to apply knowledge of animal behavior to wildlife photography in order to get the perfect shot. A light breakfast will be provided. Personal digital camera required.

Available Session:

Sunday, Nov. 4; 9 – 11 a.m.
Fee: $65 members, $75 non-members

Endangered Animals

The zoo is a part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Species Survival Plan (SSP) that carefully manages breeding activity for endangered species with the goal of maintaining healthy and sustainable populations in the wild. Participants will learn about the SSP and various projects the zoo works on to help save endangered animals such as red pandas and snow leopards. A light breakfast is included.

Available Session:

Sunday, Oct. 21; 9 – 10:30 a.m.

Fee: $65 members; $75 non-members

Please visit www.centralparkzoo.com for a complete listing of dates, prices, availability, and registration information.

Contact:

Max Pulsinelli – 718-220-5182; mpulsinelli@wcs.org

Barbara Russo – 718- 265-3428; brusso@wcs.org

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Central Park Zoo - Open every day of the year. General Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for senior citizens, $7 for children 3 to 12, and free for children younger than 3. Total Experience Admission is $18.00 for adults, $15.00 for senior citizens, and $13.00 for children 3 to 12. 4-D theater admission is $4.00 for members and $7.00 for non-members. Zoo hours are 10am to 5:30 pm, April through October, and 10am – 4:30pm daily, November through April. Tickets are sold until one half-hour before closing. The zoo is located at Fifth Avenue and 64th Street. For further information, please call 212-439-6500 or visit www.centralparkzoo.com

The Wildlife Conservation Society saves wildlife and wild places worldwide. We do so through science, global conservation, education and the management of the world's largest system of urban wildlife parks, led by the flagship Bronx Zoo. Together these activities change attitudes towards nature and help people imagine wildlife and humans living in harmony. WCS is committed to this mission because it is essential to the integrity of life on Earth. www.wcs.org.