Buffalo Zoo University - School Programs at the Wildest Place in Town

Zoo School-ing

If you are looking for a way to enhance your class visit to the Zoo, our new on-site school programs can encourage your students to learn more about the natural world!  Classes are offered at elementary, intermediate and commencement levels and are aligned with the National and New York State Learning Standards.  Students have the opportunity to observe animals in our classroom with instruction by Zoo staff, followed by animal exploration activities that will take them to focal animal sites throughout the Zoo. Class size is limited to 20-25 students for maximum interactivity and program quality.


For more information, visit http://www.buffalozoo.org/school_classes.html or call (716) 995-6128.

Limited Opportunity for Grant-Funded Zoo Programs!

Would you like to have your class participate in a FREE zoo program?  We have 2 program offerings available that are funded by a generous grant from HSBC Bank.  Programs are aligned with the NYS and Common Core Learning Standards.  

1.  I Love Nature: An introduction to our natural world

Outreach Program for grades Pre-K -1^st

Young children are introduced to the wonders of nature and encouraged to safely and respectfully explore the outdoors. Basic concepts of natural interrelationships and their own role in nature are discussed. One half of the program is spent outdoors exploring the environment, after which their “discoveries” are discussed indoors. This program also includes one live animal ambassador. 

To register for this grant-funded Zoomobile program (presented at your school), please call (716) 995-6123 or email rsanecki@buffalozoo.org

2.  Conservation Investigators 

Onsite School Program at the Zoo for grades 5-8

How do scientists save endangered species? Students will become Conservation Team Investigators to uncover reasons why animals are endangered and to find out how research can help protect species. Use tools of a field biologist to learn how they find clues to locate animals in the wild. They will then visit Ecostation, the Zoo's modern research field station exhibit, and investigate conservation issues!

The grant funds cover the cost of the class and Zoo admission for your group.

To register for this grant-funded Onsite School Program (presented at the Zoo), please call (716) 995-6143 or email rmuffoletto@buffalozoo.org

Experience the Zoo!

In our introductory blog entry, we would like to familiarize you with the variety of programs offered by the Buffalo Zoo’s Education Department

The Buffalo Zoo is committed to educating students about animals, their habitats, and how we can help to protect and conserve the world’s natural resources.See our program quick facts below, and click on each program title for more information.

At the Zoo:
Guided Tours (adapted to any level). FREE! Book 8 weeks in advance. Our busiest months for tours are May and June.

On-site School Classes (grades K-12). Programs are held in our Education Department classroom and include hands-on exploration and live animal contact.

ZooTechLabs (grades K-12). The Buffalo Zoo, in partnership with Erie 1 BOCES, is thrilled to offer a new suite of technology infused programs that will help you fulfill the new Common Core Learning Standards. It all begins with an in-depth teacher training. BOCES aid is available to all CSLO districts.

Zoo to You:
Outreach Programs (grades pre K-12). Our ZooTrunk and Zoomobile programs bring live animals and biofacts right into your classroom.

Distance Learning Programs (grades pre K-12). Schools with videoconferencing equipment in Western New York and throughout the country can participate in programs showcasing live interactive footage of exhibits, animals, and staff at the Buffalo Zoo without leaving their classrooms!

Ecosystem Architects
Starting in January 2011, the Buffalo Zoo initiated a new program in partnership with the Buffalo Public School District. Ecosystem Architects is a guided inquiry-based exploration of ecosystems and exhibit design for 5^th grade students in the Buffalo Public Schools. Following a 2-day teacher training, teachers are scheduled to bring their class to the zoo for a 3 day residency program. Students become “experts” on components of an ecosystem, and work collaboratively to share and collect data on a specific ecosystem on exhibit at the Buffalo Zoo. Back in their classrooms the class uses their new knowledge to create their own ecosystem-based project. If you are a 5^th grade teacher in the Buffalo Public Schools, be sure to contact the Zoo or your Science Department to find out if you are on the list of schools scheduled to attend!

Winter Wonderland at the Zoo
Are you looking to avoid crowds during your class visit to the Zoo? Take a field trip in January or February to observe animals in winter! Most schools bring their students in the spring, but there are advantages to visiting in winter: You can walk through the front gate without having to wait in a long line, and then have the Zoo to yourself to explore! While you are here, check out the cold weather adaptations of polar bears, reindeer, and Amur tigers. As a comparison, enter a tropical oasis in our Rainforest Falls exhibit for a chance to warm up and delight in a plethora of active animals. Plus, if you book a program on your field trip date in January or February, we will offer a 10% discount on any on-site school class (excluding our new ZooTechLab programs).

Please note: The Zoo is closed to the public on Monday and Tuesday in January and February 2012. However, we are still available to visit your school on outreach or videoconferencing programs!

Zoo Admission Options for Groups
The Zoo offers discount admission options for groups of 10 or more. You will need to schedule a date with the staff in our Education Department to arrange a guided tour or on-site school program. Otherwise, you are welcome to choose your own date to visit and will not need to notify the Zoo in advance (please note that the Zoo is closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays in January and February).

Option 1: 25% Discount Admission Offer (PREPAID)
After selecting your field trip date, you will need to fill out our Presale Admission Form. Payment needs to arrive at the Zoo 3 weeks prior to your visit. If you also book an onsite school program, you can include program payment on your presale form. After your order has been processed you will receive a packet before your scheduled visit which will include self-adhesive badges and a list of friendly reminders. These badges must be worn by each and every member of your group. Anyone not wearing a badge will be required to pay the regular admission rate. It is the responsibility of the group leader to have everything organized for their Zoo visit. Please note badges are only valid for that scheduled day.

Option 2: 15% Discount Admission Offer (PAY ON DATE OF VISIT)
If your group cannot pay in advance, the Zoo offers a 15% discount on admission for groups of 10 or more. To receive this discount, you will need to call our Guest Services Department at (716) 995-6156 to receive the required form by email or fax. Just fill out the form and bring payment with you on the date of your Zoo visit.