Day Camp at the Rio Grande Zoo, Albuquerque Aquarium, and Botanical Garden

By Terry Axline

Albuquerque, NM - Why watch animals on TV when you can see them up close and in person at the Zoo? Why Google “oceans” when sharks and sea turtles live right here in town? This Spring Break, “unplug” your child by enrolling them in one or more of the BioPark’s Spring Break day-camps. Camps take place March 16-19 from 10:00am-3:30pm and are for ages 9-11. The camps cost less than most babysitters: $15 per day or $50 for all four camps.

Each day includes an action-packed array of hands-on activities, special tours and games, all designed to teach children about the natural world in a fun and engaging way. Girl Scouts who attend Spring break camps can earn a different badge each day.

Spring Wildlife Safari at the Rio Grande Zoo on Tuesday, March 16, begins with a fun-filled, safari-themed tour to learn about wildlife and endangered species around the world. Children will watch sea lions dive, listen to elephants rumbling and search for camouflaged critters. Campers will also be personally introduced to education animals, receive a zoo safari journal, and create animal art.

Spring Water Journey at the Albuquerque Aquarium on Wednesday, March 17, takes campers on a virtual trip down the Rio Grande from Colorado to the sea. Campers will search for mysterious freshwater creatures and then tour the Aquarium to learn about amazing ocean animals. This day of aquatic adventure includes the chance to touch sharks, stingrays and tidepool animals.

Spring Green Connection at the Rio Grande Botanic Garden on Thursday, March 18, shows campers how to uncover the fascinating world of plants from tiny seeds to towering trees. Children will visit the animals at the Heritage Farm and discover how “bugs” can be the heroes or villains of a garden. This garden camp wouldn’t be complete without the chance for children to plant seeds to take home to their own backyard garden.

Spring Outdoor Adventure at Tingley Beach on Friday, March 19, takes campers on an exciting trek through the bosque to experience nature at the heart of the city and answer the question, “What do cottonwoods, catfish and coyotes have in common?” Children will gather clues about the forest, discover ways that plants and animals survive in the bosque, play nature games and learn what they can do to help keep Earth healthy and beautiful.

To register, or for more information, call (505) 848-7180. Pre-registration with payment is required.

The Albuquerque Biological Park is an accessible facility and a division of the City of Albuquerque’s Cultural Services Department. For assistance in visiting, please call 311 (Relay NM or 711), preferably with three days advance notice. Hours are 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. Zoo admission is $7.00 for adults and $3.00 for seniors 65 and older and children 3-12. Same day combo admission to all BioPark facilities is $12 for adults; $5 for seniors and children.

New Mexico BioPark Society membership confers free general admission to all BioPark facilities and discounts to many special events. Find out more about becoming a BioPark Society member at nmbioparksociety.org.

The BioPark is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information visit www.aza.org.

The Rio Grande Botanic Garden is a member of the American Public Garden Association, an organization founded in 1940 that has emerged as the premiere association for public gardens. Today, APGA’s 500 member institutions are located throughout North America and beyond. The APGA serves and strengthens its member gardens by supporting and promoting their work, value and achievements in horticultural display, education, research and plant conservation.

To view Rio Grande Zoo's web page on Zoo and Aquarium Visitor, go to:  http://www.zandavisitor.com/forumtopicdetail-94-Rio_Grande_Zoo