The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is renowned for its commitment to wildlife conservation and environmental education. One of the ways the zoo fulfills this mission is through its diverse outreach programs, which aim to engage and educate the community on various topics related to animals, nature, and sustainability.
Wings of Wonder Outreach
The Wings of Wonder Outreach program is a unique opportunity for schools, scout groups, retirement homes, and special events to experience the wonder of live birds up close. Participants learn about the birds’ natural history, personal stories, and witness their natural behaviors, including flying demonstrations.
| Program Details | |
|---|---|
| Audience | Schools, scout groups, library programs, retirement homes, after-school events, and special events |
| Radius | Up to a 90-minute drive from the Cincinnati Zoo |
| Audience Size | Up to 75 participants |
| Program Length | 45 minutes |
| Program Cost | $250, with $125 for each additional program (maximum 3 per day) |
| Program Dates | October through April 15th |
| Time | Available 8AM-8PM |
Virtual Outreach Programs
In addition to in-person experiences, the Cincinnati Zoo offers a range of virtual outreach programs to reach a wider audience.
Wild Chats
These 45-minute interactive programs are hosted by a zoo educator and include live and recorded components. They cater to schools, preschools/daycares, scout groups, libraries, and adult/senior organizations.
| Program Details | |
|---|---|
| Audience | Schools, preschools/daycare, scout groups, libraries, adult/senior organizations |
| Dates | Year-round, Sunday-Saturday |
| Time | 9:00am-6:00pm |
| Cost | $150, with $100 for schools during school hours |
| Payment | Due within two weeks of confirmation, checks and credit cards accepted |
Wild Wednesday
Wild Wednesday is a free, 15-minute virtual program that focuses on a resident animal, with a live Q&A session for the audience.
| Program Details | |
|---|---|
| Audience | Schools and homeschools |
| Dates | Wednesdays in January and February |
| Time | 1:00pm EST |
| Cost | Free |
CREW Outreach
The Lindner Center for Conservation and Research of Endangered Wildlife (CREW) at the Cincinnati Zoo offers outreach programs focused on conservation and research. These programs are designed for 7th-grade to college-level students and include the Post-doctoral Training Program, which provides research opportunities and training for scientists in conservation-related fields.
Community Impact
The Cincinnati Zoo is committed to making a positive impact on the local community through various initiatives. This includes collaborating with organizations like the Avondale Community Council and the City of Cincinnati on projects such as solar energy installations and climate resilience programs.
Education Programs
In addition to the outreach programs, the Cincinnati Zoo offers a wide range of educational opportunities, including zoo camps, school programs, overnight adventures, adult education, and internships/volunteer opportunities. For more information, interested individuals can call 513-559-7730 or email [email protected].
The Cincinnati Zoo’s outreach programs are a testament to the zoo’s dedication to wildlife conservation, environmental education, and community engagement. By bringing the wonders of the natural world to schools, organizations, and the public, the zoo is inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards and making a lasting impact on the community.
References:
– Cincinnati Zoo. (n.d.). Community Impact. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/conservation/community/
– Cincinnati Zoo. (n.d.). Education. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/education/
– Cincinnati Zoo. (n.d.). School & Group Programs. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/education/school-programs/
– Cincinnati Zoo. (n.d.). Volunteer. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/support/volunteer/
– Cincinnati Zoo. (n.d.). Publications & Outreach. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/conservation/crew/crew-outreach/.