Contents of this page: Zoo On The Go Junior Zookeeper Program Internship Program Zoo Camp Have Your Party at The Zoo		Contact the Zoo: Education Office Call: (413) 733-2251 ext. 110 Email: education@forestparkzoo.com

Zoo On The Go
A Zoo On the Go Program is an educational outreach program that brings live animals, artifacts, and other educational materials to schools, day care centers, hospitals, retirement centers, camps, and other locations. This innovative program features a variety of animal ambassadors and artifacts.

Zoo On The Go Presentations are designed to provide information about the animals, their special adaptations, habitats, behavior, diets, and status in the wild. Sessions provide an opportunity for students to touch and observe the animals, as well as ask individual questions. Special topics can also be arranged to correspond with classroom projects.

Program Fees:
Each Zoo On The Go presentation is $200.00, plus a travel fee. The presentations will last approximately one hour and are created for a maximum of 30 people. Several sessions may be arranged ahead of time for larger groups. For more information or please call (413) 733-2251 X110 or email at education@forestparkzoo.com.

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Click here for photos of an August Jr. Zookeeper Field Trip.

This program is currently under construction.  Please check back later for a new and improved summer program.

Junior Zookeeper Program
The Junior Zookeeper Program provides a volunteer opportunity for young people who are interested in animals.  Learning about exotic and indigenous species, their care, and the maintenance and management of a professional Zoo.

Juniors help with daily animal husbandry including; feeding, animal enrichment, cleaning exhibits and grounds, assist with educational programs and tend a vegetable garden. In this popular summer program, Juniors learn that the well being of the animals depends on teamwork, and that they must be responsible and reliable workers.

The goals of the Junior Zookeeper Program are to provide an enjoyable and educational experience for participants, to nurture an appreciation for the natural world, to build an understanding of animals' needs in the wild, and to encourage community involvement.

Qualifications:

• 12 to 17 years of age
• Ability to follow a daily work routine and to follow safe working practices
• An ability and willingness to speak with the general public and to give accurate information about the animals and the Zoo
• Must follow all Zoo rules and regulations

Orientation
A new Junior Zookeeper Orientation is scheduled on a weekend in June to familiarize new parents and Juniors with the program. Juniors work approximately two days, half days, a week and are supervised by the Director of Education and Junior Zookeeper Coordinator. The animal areas open to Junior Zookeepers are determined by the safety and security needs of the area, as well as the ability of the staff to supervise on that particular day. Juniors usually begin by doing basic tasks and progress to animal care.

Junior Zookeeper Fees: (to be paid after acceptance into the program)
$100.00 non-members (price includes one t-shirt)
$80.00 members (price includes one t-shirt)
Junior Zookeeper T-shirt $15.00 (to be worn while working at the zoo)

Download a Junior Zookeeper Application
Download a Junior Zookeeper Permission Form
Download a Junior Zookeeper Medical Form

Applications are due April 1st for the following summer. Please contact the Education Office at (413) 733-2251 ext. 110 or education@forestparkzoo.com for more information.

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Internship Program
The Internship Program at the Zoo In Forest Park provides an array of opportunities for college students to acquire hands-on experience working with exotic and indigenous animal species. The zoo provides opportunities to conduct research and field studies, and gives practical experience in developing research methods, and communication and teaching skills.

Interns work closely with the animal care staff, our education and administrative staff, adult volunteers, and Junior Zookeepers.  Interns may conduct educational programs and workshops in collaboration with the Education Department, while  they gain confidence through public speaking.

Internships may include work in many areas including, animal diets and nutrition, animal behavior, zoo exhibit design, and animal enrichment activities. Interns may help with educational programming within the zoo as well as in giving Zoo On The Go presentations in schools and at other locations.

Opportunities are available in historical documentation, grant writing, and marketing and development, which may include projects such as creating, conducting, and analyzing visitor surveys.

Individual fields of interest and the exploration of original ideas are enthusiastically encouraged and supported.

The Zoo's Educational Staff works closely with interns and professors to develop research projects or goals that satisfy degree requirements.

Application Procedure: Please fill out the application and return it to the Education Office at the Zoo at least four weeks before the start of your school session. An interview is required before acceptance into the program. Please call the Director of Education with any questions or concerns you may have.

Download an Internship Program Overview
Download an Application

For more information please contact the Education Office at 413-733-2251 x110 or education@forestparkzoo.com.

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SOLD OUT

Please check back later for a new and improved summer program.

Zoo Camp
Summer Sessions
Nine, 1-week sessions for kids aged 6-11:

  SOLD OUT                                                          

Winter Sessions
Two, 1-week sessions for kids aged 6-11:

February 18-22
December 24, 26, 29-31

9:00 - 3:00 Monday through Friday (after hour care available for an additional fee with prior notification)
Cost per week:
$200 - Non-members  $180 - Zoo Members

Explore nature. Discover wildlife. Meet exotic creatures. Solve animal mysteries. Learn about aquatic life. Keep a nature journal. Do experiments. Hike in the forest. Identify animal tracks. Play games. Have a fun summer!

Please contact the Education Office for more information or to register: (413) 733-2251 ext 110.

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PARTY WITH THE ANIMALS

• Zoo Birthday Parties are now being offered, rain or shine under our outdoor tents (call for availability)
• We have two convenient party times to choose from: 11-1 p.m. or 2-4 p.m.
• Our birthday package is for 25 people which includes children & adults
• Guests will view a live animal presentation (with one animal)
• Guests will also receive a scenic train ride around Forest Park (weather permitting)
• Zoo goody bags will be provided for each child in attendance (bags may include: pencils, rubber balls, erasers, puzzles, squishy animals etc.)
• Animal food will be provided for each child in attendance
• Zoo party invitations will be sent to you via email for you to print out and mail from home
• A $5 gift shop coupon will be given to the birthday child at the party
• Parking vouchers to Forest Park are available for an additional fee of $10/20 passes

Guests will be responsible for all food and decorations. Noise makers, balloons and alcohol are not permitted on zoo property. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Pricing:
$160 for Non-Members or $135 for Zoo Members
We recommend that you book your party at least 3 weeks in advance. Parties must be paid in full before you can receive your vouchers and invitations. All additional materials will be provided the day of the party.
Cancellations: Cancellations received one week in advance will be refunded minus a $15 processing fee. Cancellations received with less than one week notice will receive a 50% refund.

Please contact the Education Office at (413) 733-2251 X120 for more information.

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Zoo on the Go Birthday Parties:

We bring the Zoo to you.!

Does your child love animals and enjoy coming to the Zoo? Do any of your family and friends live far from the Zoo?  Do you want to make your child's birthday a memorable one? If you answered yes to any of these questions then a Zoo on the Go At Home Birthday is for you! 

For this birthday we bring the Zoo to you!  You will choose seven animals from our large variety of animal ambassadors.  This one hour long program is a hands on. Your child and his or her friends will get to learn interesting facts about exotic animals and touch them too!  This wild time is perfect for children and adults of any ages. 

We will also email you a link with animal themed invitations for you to print out from home.

Pricing: $200 per hour plus a travel fee

Please contact the Education Office at (413) 733-2251 X120 for more information or to book your Zoorific party.

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