Unable to visit the Zoo?  Let us bring the Zoo to YOU!  A Zoofari Outreach Program transforms your classroom lesson or special event into a not-to-be-missed occasion!  Every program includes a variety of animals and artifacts that provide for hands-on learning.  We Bring Life to Learning!

45-minute Formal Programs

Designed to complement curriculum, teachers and educators in both formal and informal learning centers may select from a variety of topics.  Here are just a few:

Animal Friends – meet a variety of animals found down on the farm and in your own backyard and learn how to positively interact with them.

Fur, Feathers, Scales & Slime – explore the basic characteristics of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds & mammals!

Life Cycles – learn the developmental patterns of butterflies, frogs, chickens, opossums and more!

Animal Adaptations – discover the physical and behavioral features that enable animals to survive in all sorts of habitats.

Food Chains & Food Webs – herbivores, carnivores, & omnivores – oh my!  All species depend on others to survive.  Find out how as we explore food chains & food webs.

Endangered Species – investigate the many environmental issues that threaten species survival and discover what you can do to help reverse the trend!

Vertebrate Body Systems – for those studying the human body, this program compares and contrasts the various body systems of the fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and other mammals with the human body.

Ecosystems or Florida Habitats – whether you are studying global biomes or some a little closer to home, either of these programs explores the climate, soil, plant and animal communities characteristic of each area.

Don’t see what you are looking for?  More topics are available or contact the Education Department (education@jacksonvillezoo.org) and ask us to create a program to fit your needs!

Fees for groups up to 35 students when scheduled 9 AM – 2 PM Tuesday through Saturday:
In Duval County: $85 first program & $60 for each additional program, same site
In Clay, Baker, Nassau & St. Johns Counties: $140 first program & $115 for each additional program, same site
In the immediate area outside the counties listed: $175 first program & $150 for each additional program, same site

Fees for groups of 36 students or more when scheduled 9 AM – 2 PM Tuesday through Saturday:
In Duval County: $150 first program & $100 for each additional program, same site
In Clay, Baker, Nassau & St. Johns Counties: $200 first program & $150 for each additional program, same site
In the immediate area outside the counties listed: $250 first program & $200 for each additional program, same site.

Fees for groups up to 35 students when scheduled 3 PM – 10 PM Tuesday through Saturday and all day Sunday & Monday:
In Duval County: $130 first program & $105 for each additional program, same site
In Clay, Baker, Nassau & St. Johns Counties: $210 first program & $185 for each additional program, same site
In the immediate area outside the counties listed: $265 first program & $150 for each additional program, same site

Fees for groups of 36 students or more when scheduled 3 PM – 10 PM Tuesday through Saturday and all day Sunday & Monday:
In Duval County: $225 first program & $175 for each additional program, same site
In Clay, Baker, Nassau & St. Johns Counties: $300 first program & $250 for each additional program, same site
In the immediate area outside the counties listed: $375 first program & $325 for each additional program, same site

60-minute Animal Ambassadors Informal Program

To add LIFE to your Community Event, Corporate Promotion, Festival Fundraiser or Grand Opening Celebration consider scheduling the Zoo’s Animal Ambassadors! Our educators and docents bring a variety of animals, artifacts and displays to provide that one-to-one hands-on experience that is sure to be the talk of the town!

Fees for events scheduled 9 AM – 2 PM Tuesdays through Saturdays:
In Duval County: $150 first hour, $250 two hours, $350 three hours at the same site
In Baker, Clay, Nassau & St. Johns: $200 first hour, $350 two hours, $500 three hours same site
In the immediate area outside the counties listed: $275 first hour, $475 two hours, $675 three hours at the same site

Fees for events scheduled 3 – 11 PM Tuesdays - Saturdays and all Sundays, Mondays & Holidays:
In Duval County: $225 first hour, $400 two hours, $575 three hours at the same site
In Baker, Clay, Nassau & St. Johns Counties: $350 first hour, $600 two hours, $850 three hours at the same site
In the immediate area outside the counties listed: $450 first hour, $800 two hours, $1,150 three hours at the same site

Frequently Asked Questions

I want to schedule a Zoofari Outreach.  How do I make a reservation?
Please contact the Education Department at 904-757-4463 ext. 122 or via e-mail at education@jacksonvillezoo.org.

How far in advance should I schedule?
Certain times of the year are busier than other times.  It is best to schedule at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance.

What animals do you bring?
Depending upon the program type and the age of the audience, we always bring a variety of animals and artifacts that best suited to the situation.

Do we get to touch the animals?
Hands-on and up-close encounters are what make this a unique opportunity.  Most of the animals brought are used for hands-on experiences, but not all are comfortable being touched.  Our birds of prey and parrots are display animals only, but what a unique opportunity to meet owls, macaws and Amazon parrots up-close.

Do the animals bite?
Anything with a mouth CAN bite.  Our educators take precautions to ensure that you have a positive encounter with our animals.

How do I pay for the program?
After you make your reservation, we will send you confirmation materials to make sure we have our dates, times and location correct.  We request that we receive your payment in full at least two weeks before your scheduled Zoo to You.  Please plan accordingly if you must submit check requests to a bookkeeper.  Failure to pay in advance may result in a cancellation of your program.

Can you bring the animals to a location where other animals will be present or live?
Due to our strict quarantine policies, we cannot allow our animals to come in contact with other animals or be in a situation where the audience or the surroundings might facilitate the transmission of diseases to our animals.  In these situations, we can provide educators, artifacts and static displays.

CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICIES:
Cancellations received 10-15 business days or more prior to your reservation will receive a full refund of the deposit less a 10% administrative fee.  Cancellations made 9 business days or less prior to the reserved date of the event forfeit all fees paid.

The Education Department reserves the right to cancel programs that have not been paid in full at least 10 business days prior to the scheduled After Dark Program.  Exceptions to the cancellation and refund policies will be made on a case by case basis and at the sole discretion of the Director of Education.