Education

School & Group Programs

Let science come to life with unique animal species, animal artifacts, and highly-skilled conservation educators from Lehigh Valley Zoo through a variety of year-round programs. These engaging multi-sensory experiences incorporate Common Core Standards, Pennsylvania Assessment Anchors and Eligible Content, and science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM), and fit the needs of multiple age levels.

For more information, please contact our education department at edureservations@lvzoo.org or call 610-799-4171 and dial extension 228, 229, or 247.

LEHIGH VALLEY ZOO’S CONSERVATION EDUCATION MISSION

To provide the community with educational opportunities to learn about wildlife and to develop positive attitudes and curiosity about nature and conservation.

On-site Pricing

    • 30 Minute Programs with 2 Animals (Animal Kingdom)
      • $325 per program (Up to 30 people)
      • $75 for participants 31-40
        • After 40, must purchase additional program
        • $100 – Add an additional animal to your Animal Kingdom Presentation (not available for Pre-K-program)
      • Conservation Exploration Program (1 animal and activity)
      • $325 per program (Up to 30 people)
        • CEP programs are not able to accommodate more than 30 people
        • If you have more than 30 people, additional programs will have to be purchased at the program price
      • 60 Minute Programs (Sensory Program)
        • $375 per program
      •  90 Minute Programs (Zoo Tour)
        • $425 per program
      • Maximum of 30 participants (adults and children) per program
      • Zoo admission is included for all participants in the price of a paid education program!

Animal Kingdom Presentations: Designed to give students an education presentation featuring the Zoo’s ambassador animals. Learn about their adaptations, behaviors, and the differences between species.

      • 30 minutes with 2 animals
        • Appropriate for grades preK-12 and the general public
      • 30 minutes with 2 animals and 1 activity (Pre-K)
        • This program is a modified Animal Kingdom Presentation for PreK students to better fit their needs and attention spans.
        • **Additional animal cannot be added onto the PreK Animal Kingdom Program.
      • Covers PDE Science Standards

Conservation Exploration Programs (CEPs): Designed to give students an education presentation featuring the Zoo’s ambassador animals. Themes include Lifecycles (grades K-3), Habitats (grades 4-6), Adaptations (grades 4-6), or Threatened Species (grades 7-12). This program includes an Ambassador Animal presentation and a correlating activity.

      • 30 minutes with 1 animal and an activity
      • Appropriate for grades K-12 and the general public
      • Covers PDE Science Standards

Sensory Program: This program is geared towards the autistic community with the activities designed with their needs in mind. Program themes include Animal Diets, Animal Enrichment, or Animal Footprints. This program includes an Ambassador Animal presentation and a correlating sensory-based activity.

      • 45-60 minutes
      • Appropriate for grades K-12 and the general public
      • Covers PDE Science Standards
      • Also available as a Zoo Reach

Zoo Tours: Visitors and students will learn about the adaptations, habitats, behaviors, and conservation statuses of resident Lehigh Valley Zoo animals on a professionally-guided tour with an Education staff member.

      • 90 minutes
      • Appropriate for grades K-12 and the general public
      • Covers PDE Science Standards

Groups with over 30 participants or groups wishing to book more than one of the above programs will be charged the additional program price – no exceptions.

   Click to request a program
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Frequently Asked Questions

      • Can I book a rain date for my program?
        • The zoo does not pre-book rain dates for programming as the programs will run rain or shine. If you choose to not attend your program due to weather, we will work with you to the best of our ability to reschedule. We do not offer refunds for programs cancelled by the guest due to weather. 
      • What is the earliest time I can schedule my program to begin?
        • The zoo opens at 10 am. The earliest program time slot is 10:15am to allow time for your group to get checked in and enter the zoo. We run onsite programming during zoo operating hours. 
      • When should we arrive at the zoo for our program?
        • Please remember that your group will need enough time to unload and go through the admissions gate. It is best to try to arrive at the zoo at least 20 minutes prior to the start time of your program.  
      • What happens if we are late for our program?
        • Because of the volume of programs we may have scheduled on any given day, if your group arrives late for their start time we may not have the ability to run the program past the allotted time period it was scheduled for. (For example: if a group arrive 15 minutes late for a 30-minute program, their program will only run for 15 minutes.) We do not offer refunds for programming that is cut short or cancelled due to being late. 
      • How far in advance should I book a program?
        • We recommend booking at least 30 days before the requested date of your program.
        • If you are interested in booking programming for spring (late April through early June,) we highly recommend reaching out early in the year to book as our schedule fills up quickly.  
      • Who is included in the 30 participant count?
        • All guests above the age of 2 are included in the count for the program. This includes, students, chaperones and teachers. 
      • What animals are used for programming? Can I pick the animals for my program?
        • Due to the needs of the animals, the educators will select the animals for your program the day of. The available animals include reptiles, birds, small mammals, and amphibians. The animals will be selected to meet the needs of the program. 
      • Are we allowed to bring lunches to the zoo?
        • Yes, outside lunches are permitted in the zoo. If bringing lunches, please have them all in one large or several large coolers or boxes. These can be placed under the covered pavilion upon arrival at the zoo. Space is available on a first come first serve basis and staff are not responsible for any lost items. 
      • Can we pre-purchase food from your café for our group?
        • Yes, an order form should be included in your reservation paperwork attached to your reservation confirmation email once you book your program. 
      • How do I book a program?
        • If you are interested in booking an education program, please visit this link and fill out a program request form at the bottom of the page. 
      • What if I want to come as a group but not book an education program?
        • Those can be set up through our main office by contacting 610-799-4171 or tickets@lvzoo.org.  
      • What should we bring the day of our program?  
        • Sturdy walking shoes for walking around the Zoo 
        • Sun block and insect repellent 
        • If desired, bring money for the Nature Store. The Nature Store can get very busy during our main season, so please plan on extra time if you are planning on shopping at the store. 

If there are any questions or concerns, please contact us at edureservations@lvzoo.org. We look forward to working with your group! 

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