Zoo Atlanta

An accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Zoo Atlanta inspires value and preservation of wildlife through a unique mix of education and outdoor family fun. From well-known native wildlife to critically endangered species on the brink of extinction, the Zoo offers memorable close encounters with more than 1,300 animals from around the world. The Zoos newest attraction, Boundless Budgies: A Parakeet Adventure, opened in April 2009. The interactive new experience is the largest of its kind in the Southeast. Zoo Atlanta is also the proud home of Xi Lan, the only giant panda cub born in the U.S. in 2008. Other highlights include one of the nations most recognized collections of great apes and a global center of excellence for the care and reproduction of vanishing amphibians and reptiles. Zoo Atlanta is open daily with the exceptions of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Keeper talks, interactive wildlife shows, education programs and special events run year-round.

Directions
Site Link

REGULAR ACTIVITIES

 Zoo Atlanta is real live fun.

Don’t just see the Zoo; do the Zoo! By all means, enjoy over 1,000 of the world’s most amazing animals, but make sure to take full advantage of exciting daily activities like keeper talks, training demonstrations, wildlife shows, and up-close-and-personal animal encounters. Gorilla and orangutan feedings run at 2 p.m. and 2:45 daily; check your Zoo map for a listing of other animal feedings and opportunities available every day. 

Cost:  FREE with the price of general admission.  Visit zooatlanta.org or call 404.624.WILD for tickets or directions.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS & CAMPS

HomeSchool Academy

February 3 and 9, 2010

Join Zoo Atlanta for an afternoon of learning and discovery designed specifically for home school students. The HomeSchool Academy is a unique program allowing students to explore animal and science concepts in a fun, interactive environment. Programs are grade-appropriate and include games, activities, Zoo tours and animal encounters. Book a program today or learn more on zooatlanta.org.

Chinese New Year Family NightCrawler

February 6, 2010

Celebrate the Chinese New Year with an unforgettable nocturnal adventure for the whole family! Ring in the Year of the Tiger with Chinese-themed crafts, animal encounters, Asian animal-inspired scavenger hunts, and a traditional lantern ceremony. Spend the night in climate-controlled facilities, and enjoy breakfast and a private guided tour of the Zoo the following morning. Book a program today or learn more on zooatlanta.org.

Keeper for a Day – Elephants and Warthogs

February 13, 2010

Get a firsthand look at what it’s like to work at the Zoo! Spend the day helping keepers with their daily routines, including food preparation, cleaning and animal care. Hang out with two of the Zoo’s most interesting species – elephants and warthogs – during an unforgettable day. Participants must be 14 or older. Book a program today or learn more on zooatlanta.org.

Keeper for a Day – Australia & Carnivores

February 20, 2010

Get a firsthand look at what it’s like to work at the Zoo! Spend the day helping keepers with daily routines, including food preparation, cleaning and animal care. Hang out with the Zoo’s Australian animals in the morning, and head to carnivores for an exciting afternoon. Participants must be 14 or older. Book a program today or learn more on zooatlanta.org.

Visit with Santa

Saturday, December 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Celebrate the ho-ho-holiday spirit with winter festivities at Zoo Atlanta! From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Zoo Atlanta Members may stop by the Conservation Action Resource Center (ARC) to warm up with hot beverages and refreshments; frolic with costumed characters and festive tunes; and let the kids be “secret shoppers” choosing special Zoo gifts for their parents. Santa will drop in to add twinkles and nods to every child’s holiday dreams—don’t forget your camera! Free for Zoo Atlanta Members; open to Zoo Members only.  

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS & CAMPS

HomeSchool Academy

Tuesday, December 8 or Wednesday, December 2, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Join Zoo Atlanta for an afternoon of learning and discovery designed specifically for home school students. The HomeSchool Academy is a unique program allowing students to explore animal and science concepts in a fun, interactive environment. Programs are grade-appropriate and include games, activities, Zoo tours and animal encounters. Wednesday sessions are a repeat from programs offered last fall. Book a program today on zooatlanta.org, or call 404.624.WILD to register or to learn more.

Keeper for a Day – Elephants & Warthogs

Saturday, December 5, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Ever wondered what zookeepers do all day? Considering zookeeping as a career? Here’s your chance to stop wondering and come find out what being a keeper is all about! Keeper for a Day is a fantastic new program at Zoo Atlanta that gives participants a first-hand look at working in the Zoo. Book a program today on zooatlanta.org or call 404.624.WILD to learn more.  

Animal Treats & Teasers Family NightCrawler

Saturday, December 5 at 6 p.m. through Sunday, December 6  at 10:30 a.m.

Ever wonder how we keep the lives of our exhibit animals new and exciting? Enrichment! Investigate the challenging brainteasers we offer our animals - and maybe even try a few for yourself! Enjoy an exclusive tour of our Animal Nutrition Kitchen and learn all about the tasty treats we use to spice up the everyday for our animals. Make a holiday treat or two for your own animals at home!  Program participants must be at least six years of age.  Book a program today on zooatlanta.org or call 404.624.WILD to learn more.

Keeper for a Day – Australia & Carnivores

Saturday, December 12, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Ever wondered what zookeepers do all day? Considering zookeeping as a career? Here’s your chance to stop wondering and come find out what being a keeper is all about! Keeper for a Day is a fantastic new program at Zoo Atlanta that gives participants a first-hand look at working in the Zoo. Book a program today on zooatlanta.org or call 404.624.WILD to learn more.  

Birthday NightCrawler

Saturday, December 12 at 6 p.m. through Sunday, December 13 at 10:30 a.m.

Is your birthday coming up? Want to celebrate your birthday in a truly wild way? Join other families for an unforgettable night at the Zoo. Held monthly, participants will celebrate their birthday while learning about a Zoo Atlanta animal also born during that month. Program participants must be at least six years of age.  Book a program today on zooatlanta.org or call 404.624.WILD to learn more.

Winter Safari Camp - Mei Lan’s New Adventure!

December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30

We will travel through time and continents exploring the life of Mei Lan the giant panda from her ancestors to her upcoming trip to China. Campers will enjoy exclusive tours, animal encounters, arts and crafts as well as fun new educational games and activities each day! Open to children in Kindergarten to 5^th grade. Book a program today on zooatlanta.org or call 404.624.WILD to learn more.

Mommy and Me

Three-week series runs on consecutive Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays beginning Tuesday, November 3, 10, 17; Wednesday, November 4, 11, 18; Thursday, November 5, 12, 19; or Saturday, November 7, 15, 22 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Introduce your toddler to games, crafts and animal fun just for 2 to 3-year-olds and their favorite grownups! Parent and child share art projects, songs and exciting encounters with small education animals. Dads, grandparents, nannies and other adult caregivers are welcome, too! Book a program today on zooatlanta.org or call 404.624.WILD to learn more.