Mini camps and hands-on programs among those to choose from

Register at www.prospectparkzoo.com

Brooklyn, N.Y. – Aug. 21, 2012 –The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Prospect 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.

The line-up of programming includes:

Toddler Time

Ages 2 to 3 with adult

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

Available Sessions:

Tuesday Series starting September 25; 10 to 11 a.m. or 11:30 to 12:30 p.m.

Saturday Series starting September 29; 10 to 11 a.m. or 11:30 to 12:30 p.m.

Fee: $125 members; $150 non-members for a six session series

Kinder Kritters

Ages 4 to 5 with adult

Preschoolers will enjoy this fun-filled six-session program that includes song, dance, games and animal-themed crafts.

Available Sessions:

Saturday Series starting Feb. 2; 10 – 11 a.m.

Fee: $125 members; $150 non-members

Zoo Symphony

Ages 5 – 10, with an adult

During this program, immerse yourself in the music of the wild. We will discover some of the most interesting vocalizations of the animal kingdom, and the harmonies that these vocalizations make in their habitats. You will get familiar with some animals in the classroom through your sense of touch, and we will adventure into the zoo together to listen to some of our noisiest residents. It's a concert not to be missed!
Available Sessions:

Monday (Columbus Day), October 8 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Fee: Members $35; Non-members $40; Additional kids or adults $15 each

Making Discoveries

Ages 3 to 7 with adult

This program celebrates North American animals. Storytelling and animal encounters are part of the fun. Kids will have a chance to dissect owl pellets and meet some of the zoo’s feathered friends.

Available Session:

Monday, Nov. 12; 10 to 11 a.m.

Fee: $35 members; $40 non-members. Additional kids or adults pay $15 each.

Photography Series: Presents for the Animals

Ages 6 to 12 with adult

Participants will enjoy a tour of the zoo and take pictures of the animals enjoying their holiday presents and treats. Digital camera required.

Available Session:

Saturday, Dec. 1; 10 to 11:30 a.m.

Fee: $35 members; $40 non-members. Additional kids or adults pay $15 each.

Junior Keepers: Toys for the animals

Ages 8 to 10

Kids will discover how keepers create stimulating toys for the animals. Junior keepers will work with senior keepers to create some holiday enrichment for many of the zoo’s residents.

Available Session:

Saturday, Dec. 8; 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Fee: $35 members; $40 non-members

Bug Superheroes!

Ages 7 to 10

Kids will go on a quest at the zoo to discover the super powers some insects have. The zoo’s urban ecologists will lead the way helping to identify these buggy critters.

Available Session:

Sunday, Sept. 30; 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Fee: $35 members; $40 non-members

Celebrate Urban Birds

Ages 7 to 10

In a class taught by the zoo’s urban ecologists, kids will not only meet some of the avian animals that live at the zoo, but go on a bird-watching tour to find wild birds using the zoo as a stopover on their long migration. A bird encounter is part of the fun.

Available Session:

Saturday, Nov. 3; 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Fee: $35 members; $40 non-members

Winter Wetland Ecology

Ages 7 to 10

Kids will learn what lies beneath snow and ice of the zoo’s ponds and streams in this exciting class. They will also have an up-close encounter with some animals that call these wetlands home.

Available Session:

Saturday, Jan. 26; 10 – 11:30 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: $125 members; $150 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: $125 members; $150 non-members

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

Contact:

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

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

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Prospect Park Zoo - Open every day of the year. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for senior citizens, $7 for children 3 to 12, and free for children under 3. Zoo hours are 10am to 5pm weekdays, and 10am – 5:30pm weekends, 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 450 Flatbush Avenue. For more information call 718-399-7339 or go to www.prospectparkzoo.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.