Including opportunities for interaction with zoo animals
COAL VALLEY, Ill. (Sept 12, 2017) – Niabi Zoo’s two newest educational opportunities for children, Animal Adventure Classes and Zoo Tots – Animal Tales, will begin this week and continue through the fall and winter.
Animal Adventure Classes are designed for children 6-12 years old and Zoo Tots – Animal Tales is designed for children ages 3-5 years old.
Animal Adventure Classes
Animal Adventure Classes are one-hour long and are offered every other Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Zoo starting Wednesday, Sept. 13. Classes are ideal for homeschool and Montessori students, but are open to any children age 6-12 years-old.
“Animal Adventure Classes provide children a truly unique opportunity to meet animals up close and personal,” said Joel Vanderbush, curator of conservation and education at Niabi Zoo. “This level of interaction takes learning to a whole new level.”
During the Animal Adventure Class children can experience the adaptations of many animals during physical activities designed to create an understanding of how animals move, what their habitat is like and how they protect themselves. Animals will include various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates such as the blue-tongued skink, Greek tortoise, chinchilla, hedgehog and many more. Each class is a unique experience so participants learn something new every time.
Parents may attend but will need to register and pay as a participant since classroom space is limited. Advanced payment is required. The price for Animal Adventure Classes is $10 for zoo members and $16 for non-members. For more information and to register visit: http://niabizoo.com/Education-Programs/EdZoocation-at-Niabi-Zoo/Animal-Adventure-Classes.
Zoo Tots – Animal Tales
Zoo Tots – Animal Tales classes are a half-hour long and are offered every other Friday from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Zoo starting Friday, Sept. 15. Classes are designed for children 3-5 years-old. A parent or guardian should attend with their child.
Zoo Tots – Animal Tales features a live animal character from a selected storybook that is read to the children. Each child will have the opportunity to not only listen to a different animal story each visit, but also to meet the main characters of the book. Animals will include various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
“This program encourages youth literacy in a unique and interactive way,” said Vanderbush, “After the story children have the opportunity to meet and even touch the featured animal.”
Space is limited so preregistration and advance is required. Prices for Zoo Tots – Animal Tales is $8 for zoo members and $14 for non-members. For more information and to register visit: http://niabizoo.com/Education-Programs/EdZoocation-at-Niabi-Zoo/Zoo-tots
Questions can be directed to Joel Vanderbush at 309-799-3482 ext. 225 or education@niabizoo.com.
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About Niabi Zoo
Niabi Zoo started fall hours Monday, Sept. 11. The Zoo is closed on Monday and open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday with last entry at 3 p.m. The last day of the 2017 season is Oct. 29.
Niabi Zoo offers an opportunity to explore more than 40 acres that encompass 200 animal species while enjoying the countryside of Rock Island county. This exploration guides guests through the discovery of more than 600 animals from around the world. The Zoo places great emphasis on educating both children and adults about the importance of conservation and how they can play a part in saving species and their ecosystems for future generations. The educational center is an important part of their mission to connect the community with the natural world through conservation leadership and engaging educational experiences. Niabi Zoo strives to instill a sense of care and understanding for wild animals in each and every visitor as they work in the community.
For more information about the Zoo, visit NiabiZoo.com.
