Education Programs

The Park and Zoo is an educational facility that encourages exploration and connection to nature in an outdoor environment. We welcome thousands of students and see over a quarter million visitors a year who come to connect and learn about the animals and plants that live here.

Request an Education Program for your group or class:

Zoo academy day program

This structured program is a combination of in-class activities and out in the zoo full of observations, games and discussions and the chance animal encounter. These sessions are available for Grades 1-7 and support the Ontario curriculum. To register for the Zoo Academy day program please fill out our request form or download the application.

Zoo trek half-day program

Zoo Academy participants with their hands up to answer questions Perfect for you to compliment a class trip to the zoo. Students participate in a short in-class program and chance animal encounter followed by a guided tour through the zoo. To register for the Zoo trek half-day program please fill out our request form or download the application.

Turtle trek

Two Turtles Treking across the classroom

This joint-facility day program gives you the best of the Park and Zoo and The Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTTC). The full-day program starts with a zoo trek and is completed by the OTTC turtle and habitat conservation program. To book a class please fill our our request form.

Guided tours

Guided tour next to exhibit with tour guide Join our knowledgeable tour guides for an interpretive walk through the zoo. Tours are available seasonally upon request and include interesting personal background information on animal species, their habitats and their conservation status. To register for a guided tour please download the application or fill out our request form.

Zoo crew

Zoo Crew toddlers with donkey ears on smiling for the camera This parent-tot program is a fun way for you and your pre-school child to connect with nature. Ages three to five, each session includes crafts, songs, games and a zoo trek or animal encounter. Winter 2020 Zoo Crew is closed. Summer Zoo Crew Registration will begin May 18.

The Bondar Challenge

Boy near garden taking photo of flowers The Otonabee Conservation Authority and Park and Zoo have teamed up to offer the Roberta Bondar Challenge. This one or two-day summer program connects students to nature through the art of photography. 2020 Bondar Program Registration will begin in April.

Regular events

Meet the keep with the boa and kids Meet the keeper happens on weekdays May to September at 1:00 p.m. at the zoo. Get a chance to ask a zookeeper your wildest curious questions.

Otter feeding encounters happen daily throughout the year at our world-class otter exhibit. Be sure to catch the fun at 1:30 p.m., or in the summer months twice a day at 1:30 and 4:00 p.m.

Placements and co-ops

The Park and Zoo has helped hundreds of students complete their education through on the job placements and work experience. We are proud to be able to offer animal care, education, ground keeping, business development and administrative placement opportunities annually. There are a limited number of placement opportunities each year, please apply early. If you are interested in doing a placement with us please fill out the Placement request form.

Program Request