2022-2023 registration now open!

ON-SITE PROGRAM INFORMATION

Immerse yourself in our 120 acre living classroom. On-site school programs are designed with grade specific learner outcomes and they all include a variety of curriculum-connected activities designed to spark curiosity, initiate dialogue and help bring concepts to life.

Elementary Programs

Bear Necessities

Grade: K-3
Length: 60 Mins
On-site program times:
10:00 am, 11:15 am, 12:45 pm
Maximum students: 27

Cost: Sept-Mar: $225
Apr-Jun: $280

How does a wild bear find food, water and shelter? Using their senses and detective skills, students figure out how bears meet their needs, and what we can all do to help them. This lively program involves interactive role-playing and costumes.

Curricular Connections

Demonstrate curiosity, interest and a willingness to learn about the environment and community
Describe living things, and identify needs of those living things
Describe the appearances and life cycles of some common animals, and identify their adaptations to different environments
Identify requirements for animal care

Dino Styles

Grade: K-3
Length: 60 Mins
On-site program times:
10:00 am, 11:15 am, 12:45 pm
Maximum students: 27

Cost: May-Jun: $280

From different styles of adaptation to different styles of families, this high-energy program explores the creation of fossils while looking closely at dinosaur diversity, parental care, and hatchling survival adaptations. Through classroom and tour components, students will discuss animal homes, life cycles and specific needs of dinosaurs at different times.

Curricular Connections

Uses direct comparison to compare two objects based on a single attribute
Shows awareness of similarities and differences in living things, objects and materials
Describe some common living things, and identify needs of those living things
Demonstrate an understanding of measurement as a process of comparing
Compare and order objects by length, height, distance around and mass (weight), using nonstandard units, and make statements of comparison
Demonstrate an understanding of measuring length
Describe the appearances and life cycles of some common animals, and identify their adaptations to different environments

On Gossamer Wings

Grade: K-3
Length: 60 Mins
On-site program times:
10:00 am, 11:15 am, 12:45 pm
Maximum students: 27

Cost: Apr-Jun: $280

Butterflies and moths have unique adaptations to live in their environments, but also share similarities with humans. In this program students will learn how these creatures use their senses to explore the world around them just like we do, compare their life cycles to our own and recognize the impact losing pollinators would be to the environment today. Students will learn about butterflies and moths through reflecting on the question “how can we improve the environment for butterflies, moths, and ourselves?”.

Curricular Connections

Describe some common living things, and identify needs of these living things
Describe the general structure and life habits of small crawling and flying animals and apply this knowledge to interpret local species that have been observed
Describe The appearances and life cycles of some common animals, and identify their adaptations to different environments
Identify requirements for animal care
Develop number sense
- Kindergarten: Relate a numeral, 1 to 10, to its respective quantity
- Grade 1: Demonstrate an understanding of addition of numbers with answers to 20
- Grade 2: Demonstrate an understanding of addition (limited to 1- and 2-digit numerals) with answers to 100
- Grade 3: Demonstrate an understanding of multiplication to 5 × 5

Penguin Palooza

Grade: K-3
Length: 60 Mins
On-site program times:
10:00 am, 11:15 am, 12:45 pm
Maximum students: 27

Cost: Sept-Mar: $225
Apr-Jun: $280

Students will act as conservation scientists rescuing a penguin as they move through various stations learning about adaptations, habitats, prey and predators, and family care. As students learn about penguins they will be guided to reflect on the question “how does the Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo make a home for penguins?” to determine why zoos are important and how they can benefit our animals.

Curricular Connections

Describe some common living things and identify the needs of those living things
Evaluate appropriateness of various materials to the construction of watercraft
Describe the role of insulation in keeping things hot and cold
Identify materials that insulate animals from the cold
Describe ways in which temperature changes affect us in our daily lives
Describe appearances and life cycles of some common animals, and identify their adaptations to different environments
Identify requirements for animal care
Develop number sense
- Kindergarten: Relate a numeral, 1 to 10, to its respective quantity
- Grade 1: Demonstrate an understanding of addition of numbers with answers to 20
- Grade 2: Demonstrate an understanding of addition (limited to 1- and 2-digit numerals) with answers to 100
- Grade 3: Demonstrate an understanding of multiplication to 5 × 5

Dinos: Digging Deeper

Grade: 4-6
Length: 60 Mins
On-site program times:
10:00 am, 11:15 am, 12:45 pm
Maximum students: 32

Cost: May-Jun: $280

Get ready to solve the mystery of the fossil discovery. In this program students will act like paleontologists analyzing the evidence before them to uncover unique fossil characteristics to make inferences about the life and death of the fossilized dinosaur. Students will reflect on the question “how can understanding characteristics of animals in the past help us to protect our ecosystems today?” through storytelling and hands-on investigating.

Curricular Connections

Value Alberta’s physical geography and natural environment
Examine, critically, how geology and paleontology contribute to knowledge of Alberta’s physical geography
Demonstrate an understanding of fractions less than or equal to one
Demonstrate an understanding of fractions
Observe, describe, and interpret weather phenomena; and relate weather to the heating and cooling of Earth’s surface
Recognize evidence of recent human activity, and recognize evidence of animal activity in a natural outdoor setting
Observe a set of footprints, and infer the direction and speed of travel
Recognize that evidence found at the scene of an activity may have unique characteristics that allow an investigator to make inferences about the participants and the nature of the activity, and give examples of how specific evidence may be used
Investigate evidence and link it to a possible source

Green and Gorgeous

Grade: 4
Length: 60 Mins
On-site program times:
10:00 am, 11:15 am, 12:45 pm
Maximum students: 32

Cost: Sept-Mar: $225
Apr-Jun: $280

In this program students will act as budding botanists, learning about the importance of plants in our world. Students will be guided to reflect on the question “how does understanding and appreciating plants help us to protect our environment?” through stationed activities aimed at discovering various aspects of plants such as seed dispersal, pollination, life cycles and function of anatomy.

Curricular Connections

Describe the importance of plants to humans and their importance to the natural environment
Identify and describe general purpose of plant roots, stems, leaves and flowers
Recognize plant requirements for growth
Recognize that plants of the same kind have a common life cycle and produce new plants that are similar but not identical
Describe different ways that seeds are distributed

The One and Only Ivan

Grade: 3-6
Length: 90 Mins
On-site program times:
10:00 am, 12:00 pm
Maximum students: 32

Cost: Sept-Mar: $225
Apr: $280

Inspired by the novel “The One and Only Ivan” by K.A. Applegate, this program compares the life of Ivan from the story to our gorilla troop here at the Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo. We will guide students through the process of analyzing the question “what is the purpose of the Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo?” through initial brainstorming, thoughtful discussion, and observation of our gorilla troop and habitat.

**Students should be familiar with the story of Ivan. Ideally classes have competed the novel, the short story book, or have watched the film. This program contains spoilers!

Curricular Connections

Express ideas and develop understanding
Use prior knowledge
Examine the social, cultural, and linguistic characteristics that affect quality of life in communities in other parts of the world
Describe the appearances and life cycles of some common animals, and identify their adaptations to different environments
Experience various texts and relate texts to culture

Burrowing in with Burrowing Owls

Grade: 3-6
Length: 90 Mins
On-site program times:
10:00 am, 12:00 pm
Maximum students: 32

Cost: Sept-Mar: $225
Apr-Jun: $280

The burrowing owl is a unique grassland species, whose Canadian population has declined by 90% since the 1990s. The owl is listed as Endangered due to several threats that result in high juvenile mortality and low migration return rates. Through a variety of hands-on activities, we will learn about the burrowing owls' habitat, diet, and head-starting project that the Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo has devised to recover burrowing owl populations. Students will reflect on the question “how can we improve our environment for burrowing owls and ourselves?” while acting as 'conservation researchers' for a day to learn some of the conservation techniques that are involved in saving this species from extinction. 

Curricular Connections

Describe the appearances and life cycles of some common animals, and identify their adaptations to different environments
Identify requirements for animal care
Collect, display, and analyze data to solve problems
Use patterns to describe the world and to solve problems
Demonstrate an understanding of fractions less than or equal to one
Collect, display, and analyze data to solve problems
Use patterns to describe the world and to solve problems
Describe the living and nonliving components of a wetland ecosystem and the interactions within and among them
Demonstrate an understanding of fractions less than or equal to one
Collect, display, and analyze data to solve problems
Use patterns to describe the world and to solve problems
Describe characteristics of trees and the interaction of trees with other living things in the local environment
Demonstrate an understanding of percent
Demonstrate an understanding of fractions less than or equal to one
Collect, display, and analyze data to solve problems
Use patterns to describe the world and to solve problems

Edu-Trek: Asia

Grade: K-12
Length: 60 Mins
On-site program times:
10:00 am, 11:15 am, 12:45 pm
Maximum students: 30

Cost: Sept-Mar: $225
Apr-Jun: $280

Discover the spectacular animals that call Asia home while being toured by a knowledgeable conservation education interpreter. Our educators will outline curricular connections specific to your student’s level. On this walking safari, explore predator-prey relationships, social dynamics, adaptations for extreme environments, and human impacts. Animals observed may include Amur tigers, Malayan tapir, white-handed gibbons, red pandas, snow leopards, Japanese macaques, and Bactrian camels. 

Edu-Trek: Africa

Grade: K-12
Length: 75 Mins
On-site program times:
10:00 am, 12:00 pm
Maximum students: 30

Cost: Sept-Mar: $225

Observe the unique animals of the African savannah and rainforest while being toured by a knowledgeable conservation education interpreter. Our educators will outline curricular connections specific to your student’s level. Topics may include predator-prey relationships, adaptations, conservation efforts and so much more. Species observed may include meerkat, hippopotamus, giraffe, lion, zebra, lemur, Malagasy boas, dwarf crocodiles, black & white colobus monkeys, western lowland gorilla.

Edu-Trek: Plant Safari

Grade: K-12
Length: 60 Mins
On-site program times:
10:00 am, 12:00 pm
Maximum students: 30

Cost: Sept-Mar: $225
Apr-Jun: $280

There are a variety of plants that grow in natural harmony here, they each play a role in supporting our healthy environment and ecosystem. As students are guided through the ENMAX Conservatory by one of our conservation educators they will discover the unique qualities of all plants and how their growth can impact sustainability in our world. Students will reflect on the question, “how can we grow and farm plants in a sustainable way?” as they journey though our gardens.

Secondary Programs

Biomes

Grade: 10-12
Length: 4 Hrs
On-site program times:
10:00 am
Maximum students: 37

Cost: Sept-Mar: $350
Apr: $360

Students will analyze three distinctive biomes: tropical rainforest, grassland, and ocean. Throughout the day we will be reflecting on the question “how does our understanding of biomes help us to better predict and evaluate the risks of climate change and human impact on ecosystems?”. By measuring the ambient conditions and exploring the animals and plants that are present in the Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo’s TransAlta Rainforest, Savannah, and Penguin Plunge buildings, students will understand how climate affects life in specific regions.

Curricular Connections

Describe a biome as an open system in terms of input and output of energy and matter and exchanges at its boundaries
Relate the characteristics of two major biomes to net radiant energy, climatic factors, and topography
Analyze the climatographs of two major biomes and explain why biomes with similar characteristics can exist in different Geographical locations, latitudes, and altitudes
Use instruments, effectively and accurately, to collect data
Compile and display, by hand or computer, evidence, and information in a variety of formats, including diagrams, flow charts, tables, graphs, and scatterplots
Identify the potential effects of climate change on environmentally sensitive biomes
Assess, from a variety of perspectives, the risks and benefits of human activity, and its impact on the biosphere and the climate
Explain how climate affects the lives of people and other species, and explain the need to investigate climate change

Burrowing in with burrowing owls

Grade: 7-8
Length: 90 minutes
On-site program times:
10:00 am, 12:00 pm
Maximum students: 32

Cost: Sept-Mar: $225
Apr - June: $280

Curricular Connections

Investigate and describe relationships between humans and their environments, and identify related issues and scientific questions
Monitor a local environment, and assess the impacts of environmental factors on growth, health and reproduction of organisms in that environment
Investigate living things and identify and apply scientific ideas used to interpret their general structure, function and organization
Collect, display, and analyze data to solve problems
Use patterns to describe the world and to solve problems
Collect, display, and analyze data to solve problems
Demonstrate an understanding of percent
Demonstrate an understanding of fractions less than or equal to one

Conservation Science

Grade: 10-12
Length: 4 Hrs
On-site program times:
10:00 am
Maximum students: 37

Cost: Nov-Mar: $350
Apr: $360

This program will have students examining the importance of wildlife conservation by utilizing the tools, strategies and research being completed by the conservation scientists of our very own programs here in Alberta and abroad. They will further investigate how we can engage with communities to create meaningful, lasting wildlife conservation as they reflect on the question, "How might we create action that will preserve wildlife and ecosystems?"

Curricular Connections

Analyze plants as an example of a multicellular organism with specialized structures at the cellular, tissue and system levels
Relate climate to the characteristics of the world’s major biomes, and compare biomes in different regions of the world
Relate photosynthesis to storage of energy in organic compounds
Explain the role of cellular respiration in releasing potential energy from organic compounds
Describe, in general terms, the structure and function of plant and animal cell parts; and trace the development of the cell theory
describe a community as a composite of populations in which individuals contribute to a gene pool that can change over time
list and explain the requirements of photosynthesis as carbon dioxide, water, chlorophyll in chloroplasts and sunlight; and list and explain the products as oxygen and glucose
Competencies
- Demonstrate sensitivity and responsibility in pursuing a balance between the needs of humans and a sustainable environment
- work collaboratively in planning and carrying out investigations and in generating and evaluating ideas
- seek and apply evidence when evaluating alternative approaches to investigations, problems, and issues
- formulate questions about observed relationships and plan investigations of questions, ideas, problems, and issues
- analyze data and apply mathematical and conceptual models to develop and assess possible solutions
- show interest in science-related questions and issues and confidently pursue personal interest and career possibilities within science-related field
- appreciate that scientific understanding evolves from the interaction of ideas involving people with different views and backgrounds
- show concern for safety in planning, carrying out and reviewing activities with reference to WHMIS and consumer product labelling information

Interactions and Ecosystems

Grade: 7
Length: 4 Hrs
On-site program times:
10:00 am
Maximum students: 37

Cost: Sept-Mar: $350
Apr: $360

From the tiniest puddle to the highest mountain range, our world is full of ecosystems in which plants and animals interact and survive together. In this fascinating program students will explore the impact of organisms becoming endangered or going extinct. Investigating how the Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo contributes to wildlife conservation, students will work towards answering the question “how might we reduce our impact on natural habitats so that we can maintain healthy ecosystems?”

Curricular Connections

Analyze an ecosystem to identify biotic and abiotic components, and describe interactions among these components
Analyze ecosystems to identify producers, consumers, and decomposers; and describe how energy is supplied to and flows through a food web
Investigate a variety of habitats, and describe and interpret distribution patterns of living things found in those habitats
Investigate and interpret evidence of interaction and change
Identify examples of human impacts on ecosystems, and investigate and analyze the link between these impacts and the human wants and needs that give rise to them
Identify intended and unintended consequences of human activities within local and global environments
Describe examples of interaction and interdependency within an ecosystem
Identify signs of ecological succession in local ecosystems

Freshwater and Saltwater Systems

Grade: 8
Length: 4 Hrs
On-site program times:
10:00 am
Maximum students: 37

Cost: Sept-Mar: $350
Apr: $360

Students will explore the relationship between water quality and living things, learn about the biofilter systems that keep our animals happy and even do some water testing. Students will discover the importance of water and its global distribution through small group activities. Water conservation strategies will be uncovered as students reflect on the question “how can we ensure clean water for generations to come?”.

Curricular Connections

Describe the distribution and characteristics of water in local and global environments, and identify the significance of water supply and quality to the needs of humans and other living things
Investigate and interpret linkages among landforms, water, and climate
Analyze human impacts on aquatic systems; and identify the roles of science and technology in addressing related questions, problems, and issues
Identify current practices and technologies that affect water quality, evaluate environmental costs and benefits, and identify and evaluate alternatives
Illustrate the role of scientific research in monitoring environments and supporting development of appropriate environmental technologies
Provide examples of problems that cannot be solved using scientific and technological knowledge alone
Identify major factors used in determining if water is potable, and describe and demonstrate tests of water quality
Recognize that fresh water and salt water contain varying amounts of dissolved materials, particulates, and biological components; and interpret information on these component materials
Analyze relationships between water quality and living things, and infer the quality of water based on the diversity of life supported by it

Biodiversity

Grade: 9
Length: 4 Hrs
On-site program times:
10:00 am
Maximum students: 37

Cost: Sept-Mar: $350
Apr: $360

Students will be investigating three different levels of biodiversity: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecosystem diversity. As students explore the nature of reproduction, we’ll learn about the mating behaviours of some of our resident animals and examine how animals preserve biodiversity within their species. Students will learn how researchers apply this knowledge to the Species Survival Plan initiative as well as discover the science behind other captive breeding programs. Throughout the day students will reflect on the question “how does understanding reproduction and genes influence how the Wilder Institute Calgary Zoo can protect and conserve wildlife both under human care and in the wild?”

Curricular Connections

Identify impacts of human action on species survival and variation within species, and analyze related issues for personal and public decision making
Investigate and interpret diversity among species and within species, and describe how diversity contributes to species survival
Identify the role of variation in species survival under changing environmental conditions
Evaluate the success and limitations of various local and global strategies for minimizing loss of species diversity
Observe variation in living things, and describe examples of variation among species and within species
Describe ongoing changes in biological diversity through extinction and extirpation of native species, and investigate the role of environmental factors in causing these changes
Identify examples of niches, and describe the role of variation in enabling closely related living things to survive in the same ecosystem

Changes

Grade: 11
Length: 4 Hrs
On-site program times:
10:00 am
Maximum students: 37

Cost: Sept-Mar: $350
Apr: $360

The concepts of adaptation, classification, evolution, and speciation are brought to life through the observation of primates, the comparison of skulls and a couple of games. Students will examine what makes humans unique from primates through investigation of the question “how does our understanding of evolution and the theories associated allow us to better understand and protect species today?”. Students will also learn how researchers and animal care staff use the information gained to help them further support conservation science.

Curricular Connections

Explain how limiting factors influence organism distribution and range
Explain that variability in a species results from heritable mutations and that some mutations may have a selective advantage
Explain speciation and the conditions required for this process
Explain how limiting factors influence organism distribution and range
Describe modern evolutionary theories, i.e., punctuated equilibrium, gradualism
Analyze data, actual or simulated, on plants and animals to demonstrate how morphology changes over time
Summarize and describe lines of evidence to support the evolution of modern species from ancestral forms

KEYERA BIOLOGY 30, POPULATION AND COMMUNITY DYNAMICS

Grade: 12
Length: 4 Hrs
On-site program times:
10:00 am
Maximum students: 37

Cost: Sept-Mar: $350
Apr: $360

Conservation is the primary focus, drawing on important concepts such as biological and genetic diversity to better understand this complicated process. While observing some of our animals, students will discuss key terms and explore population management strategies. The students will examine the many challenges we face in conservation work by reflecting on the question “how should endangered species conservation be prioritized?” and apply what they have learned in class to finding solutions.

Curricular Connections

Explain the basic rules and processes associated with the transmission of genetic characteristics
Explain classical genetics at the molecular level
Describe a community as a composite of populations in which individuals contribute to a gene pool that can change over time
Explain the interaction of individuals in a population with one another and with members of other populations
Explain, in quantitative terms, the change in populations over time

Edu-Trek: Asia

Grade: K-12
Length: 60 Mins
On-site program times:
10:00 am, 11:15 am, 12:45 pm
Maximum students: 30

Cost: Sept-Mar: $225
Apr-Jun: $280

Edu-Trek: Africa

Grade: K-12
Length: 75 Mins
On-site program times:
10:00 am, 12:00 pm
Maximum students: 30

Cost: Sept-Mar: $225

Edu-Trek: Plant Safari

Grade: K-12
Length: 60 Mins
On-site program times:
10:00 am, 12:00 pm
Maximum students: 30

Cost: Sept-Mar: $225
Apr-Jun: $280

Map of classroom locations

Please click below for a map of the zoo.

Registered Programs Map

IN SCHOOL PROGRAM INFORMATION

The zoo is going back to school! Armed with hands-on artefacts, interactive lesson plans and topical tour footage, our educators can deliver select programs in-school for grades k-12.

Program Information:

In school programs are available to be booked Mondays from December through February.
Out of town mileage surcharge will be applied to schools outside of Calgary city limits.
Elementary programs default booking is full day (3 consecutive programs offered at one location on the same day). For half-day (2 consecutive programs offered at one location on the same day), select your program and date and note this preference on your booking form.
Secondary programs (Biodiversity, Interactions and Ecosystems) default booking is in pairs with two classes receiving concurrent programs at one location on the same day. For one class only, select your program and date and note this preference on your booking form.
Bio 30 is only offered for a single class at a time on any given day.

Elementary Programs

Bear Necessities

Grade: K-3
Length: 60 Mins
Available days:
Dec-Feb: Mon
Maximum students: 27

Cost: Dec-Feb: $500 (2 programs)
$575 (3 programs)

Curricular Connections

Demonstrate curiosity, interest and a willingness to learn about the environment and community
Describe living things, and identify needs of those living things
Describe the appearances and life cycles of some common animals, and identify their adaptations to different environments
Identify requirements for animal care

Penguin Palooza

Grade: K-3
Length: 60 Mins
Available days:
Dec-Feb: Mon
Maximum students: 27

Cost: Dec-Feb: $500 (2 programs)
$575 (3 programs)

Curricular Connections

Describe some common living things and identify the needs of those living things
Evaluate appropriateness of various materials to the construction of watercraft
Describe the role of insulation in keeping things hot and cold
Identify materials that insulate animals from the cold
Describe ways in which temperature changes affect us in our daily lives
Describe appearances and life cycles of some common animals, and identify their adaptations to different environments
Identify requirements for animal care
Develop number sense
- Kindergarten: Relate a numeral, 1 to 10, to its respective quantity
- Grade 1: Demonstrate an understanding of addition of numbers with answers to 20
- Grade 2: Demonstrate an understanding of addition (limited to 1- and 2-digit numerals) with answers to 100
- Grade 3: Demonstrate an understanding of multiplication to 5 × 5

The One and Only Ivan

Grade: 3-6
Length: 60 Mins
Available days:
Dec-Feb: Mon
Maximum students: 32

Cost: Dec-Feb: $500 (2 programs)
$575 (3 programs)

**Students should be familiar with the story of Ivan. Ideally classes have competed the novel, the short story book, or have watched the film. This program contains spoilers!

Curricular Connections

Express ideas and develop understanding
Use prior knowledge
Examine the social, cultural, and linguistic characteristics that affect quality of life in communities in other parts of the world
Describe the appearances and life cycles of some common animals, and identify their adaptations to different environments
Experience various texts and relate texts to culture

Secondary Programs

Interactions and Ecosystems

Grade: 7
Length: 3 Hrs
Available days:
Dec-Feb: Mon
Maximum students: 37

Cost: Dec-Feb: $350 (1 program)
$600 (2 programs)

Curricular Connections

Analyze an ecosystem to identify biotic and abiotic components, and describe interactions among these components
Analyze ecosystems to identify producers, consumers, and decomposers; and describe how energy is supplied to and flows through a food web
Investigate a variety of habitats, and describe and interpret distribution patterns of living things found in those habitats
Investigate and interpret evidence of interaction and change
Identify examples of human impacts on ecosystems, and investigate and analyze the link between these impacts and the human wants and needs that give rise to them
Identify intended and unintended consequences of human activities within local and global environments
Describe examples of interaction and interdependency within an ecosystem
Identify signs of ecological succession in local ecosystems

Biodiversity

Grade: 9
Length: 3 Hrs
Available days:
Dec-Feb: Mon
Maximum students: 37

Cost: Dec-Feb: $350 (1 program)
$600 (2 programs)

Curricular Connections

Identify impacts of human action on species survival and variation within species, and analyze related issues for personal and public decision making
Investigate and interpret diversity among species and within species, and describe how diversity contributes to species survival
Identify the role of variation in species survival under changing environmental conditions
Evaluate the success and limitations of various local and global strategies for minimizing loss of species diversity
Observe variation in living things, and describe examples of variation among species and within species
Describe ongoing changes in biological diversity through extinction and extirpation of native species, and investigate the role of environmental factors in causing these changes
Identify examples of niches, and describe the role of variation in enabling closely related living things to survive in the same ecosystem

KEYERA BIOLOGY 30, POPULATION AND COMMUNITY DYNAMICS

Grade: 12
Length: 3 Hrs
Available days:
Dec-Feb: Mon
Maximum students: 37

Cost: Dec-Feb: $350 (1 program)

Curricular Connections

Explain the basic rules and processes associated with the transmission of genetic characteristics
Explain classical genetics at the molecular level
Describe a community as a composite of populations in which individuals contribute to a gene pool that can change over time
Explain the interaction of individuals in a population with one another and with members of other populations
Explain, in quantitative terms, the change in populations over time

Virtual Safari Program Information

Join one of our dynamic conservation educators for an engaging virtual exploration of our zoo. Meet our amazing animal and plant colleagues from the region of your choice. And be sure to bring your curiosity because we love questions! 3 themes to choose from.

Length: Up to 60 minutes
Curriculum Connections: K-12, Variable based on grade. Please let us know what you'd like to focus on.
Program Fees: $125
Availability: December 2022 - February 2023 - Fridays 9 am, 10:30 am, 1:00 pm
By request September 2022 - March 2023
Capacity: Maximum 37

Virtual Sarari Themes

Penguins Virtual Safari Come nose to beak with the super cool inhabitants of the indoor and outdoor areas of our Penguin Plunge building. Penguin species may include: Northern & Southern rockhopper, Humboldt, Gentoo and King. Grades: K-12

Africa Virtual Safari Investigate the unique animals of the African savannah and rainforest. Species observed may include: meerkat, hippopotamus, giraffe, lion, zebra, lemur, Malagasy boas, dwarf crocodiles, black & white colobus monkeys, western lowland gorilla. Grades: K-12

Asia Virtual Safari Discover the spectacular animals that call Eurasia home. Animals observed may include: white-handed gibbons, Malayan tapir, Japanese macaque, Japanese serow, markhor, Amur tiger, wild boar, red panda, snow leopard, Bactrian camel. Grades: K-12

register now!

School Programs Frequently asked questions

THE VERMILION ENERGY EMPTY BACKPACK PROGRAM

The Vermilion Energy Empty Backpack program ensures all students in Calgary have the chance to experience the zoo's unique education programs. This fund subsidizes program fees and bussing for eligible equity schools.

For 2022-2023 we have funding available for grades K-6 to participate. Inquire at the time of booking for more details on how your students can benefit from this opportunity for on-site, in-school or virtual programming.