The Oregon Zoo is the largest environmental education program in Oregon. Staff and programs are dedicated to inspiring the region to create a better future for wildlife.
Each year, trainers, animal presenters and volunteers share their conservation expertise with millions of people at the zoo, in classrooms and community centers. Programs reach all ages, and range from short talks at an exhibit to overnight campouts.
At the zoo
Zoo School: classroom presentations at the zoo for school field trip groups.
Field trips: bring your class to the zoo. You can time your visit to complement curriculum and expose students to one of Oregon's most vivid learning experiences.
ZooSnooze: overnight experience for groups, ages 6 to adult.
Camps: art-, science- and nature-themed day camps for elementary school kids are offered during winter break, spring break and summer.
Zoo Experiences: adult-child classes for preschool and elementary children.
ZooTeen volunteers: Volunteers lead educational activities and demonstrations with touchable animals at Trillium Creek Family Farm and African Pygmy Goat Kraal.
Urban Nature Overnights: introduces urban children, from third to fifth grade, to camping and nature study both at the zoo and in natural areas.
Wild Life Live! shows: zoo staff present birds of prey and other animals on the zoo’s concert lawn every day during the summer
Animal talks: trained ZooGuides and Zoo Ambassadors answer questions and share facts and stories at exhibits.
In the community
Zoo School: zoo staff bring themed presentations with small animals to school classrooms, including at least one touchable animal.
Zoo Animal Presenters: teen interns go to parks and community centers to offer live, animal-based presentations.
Wild Life Live! assemblies: staff present wildlife shows at assemblies at schools or community organizations.
Animal displays: the zoo can provide an animal or two for art classes, storytime and more, to make learning fun.