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giraffe hand feed

tiger hand feed

 


Creating hands-on learning opportunities
at the Zoo

Here at the National Zoo and Aquarium, our Education Department aims to offer enriching, interactive and "hands-on" experiences that will enable people of all ages to be inspired and encouraged to assist in the creation of a more balanced and positive future between humans and the natural world.


Of course you are welcome to visit as a self guided group.
Please click here to view group prices and to make your booking.

 

The Zoo offers a variety of programs that offer both thrills and hands on learning experiences. From a school excursion to a birthday party, the NZA can offer a unique experience for young and old.

     BIRTHDAY PARTY TOURS   ZOOCATION     JUNIOR ZOOKEEPER CLUB

        SENIORS PRIVATE TOURS   GENERAL GROUP TOURS   SPECIAL NEEDS GROUPS

SAFETY FIRST
All these programs involve feeding large animals such as tigers and giraffes. In order to experience this thrill, each participant needs to have an indemnity form signed. Children under 18 years of age need a form signed by a parent or guardian. Remember to download the appropriate form for your group when you make your booking. See the links below.


DISCOVERY LEARNING SESSIONS
Experience the thrill of coming face to face with tigers, bears, giraffes and more! Make friends with a snake! Go behind the scenes to our cougar den classroom. Choose from a wide range of curriculum based topics (see below)

DISCOVERY LEARNING SESSIONS GENERALLY INCLUDE:

A one hour guided tour - choose from our list of topics  
Admission to the Zoo for the day
Hand feeds (see indemnity form link)
"Behind the scenes" to the Cougar Den classroom
Reptile handling
Activity Packs - upon request

In order for students to participate in hand feeds of the larger animals, each student must have an indemnity form completed prior to their visit to the zoo. These forms must be signed by a parent or guardian. Download the forms using the link below.

With groups over 15, every child may not be able to feed a large animal such as a tiger or giraffe. For example, 10 out of a group of
30 students may have the opportunity to participate in a hand feed. Schools can pre-select these 6 students - or have all children complete the forms, and the teachers choose students on arrival. What ever method of selection is used, indemnity forms must be completed by a parent prior to the visit.

Don't worry, no-one misses out, every student will have the opportunity to handle a reptile and feed an animal.   Plan your Day

 


Indemnity Form :General    Indemnity Form: School    Certificate of Currency    Indemnity Form: Birthday Party    Risk Assessment Form ____________________________________________________________________________________________________
DISCOVERY LEARNING SESSIONS -TOPICS

Preschool   K-2   Years 3-5   Years 6-8   Years 9-12


Note: Bookings for tours require a minimum of 5 days notice.
On completion of your online booking, you will receive an
itemised TAX INVOICE with your CONFIRMATION.
Preschools - please phone the zoo to assist you with your booking.

PAYMENT IS REQUIRED PRIOR TO OR ON ARRIVAL

Make a Booking / Check Availability

Please read the Terms and Conditions for Group Bookings entry.

Terms and Conditions
How do our Discovery Learning Sessions fit in with the
ELAs in the ACT Curriculum framework?

Early Childood Yrs K-2  

Later Childhood Yrs 3-5

Early Adolescences Yrs 6-8 

Later Adolescences Yrs 9-12
Add another dimension to your visit to the zoo with
ZOOFARI TRAIL WORKSHEETS
Your students go on their own Zoofari to find 9 Wise Owls who hide fun information about our animals. They fill in the blanks on their worksheet and decipher what is the most dangerous animal in the world. This program is designed for Years 2-6. Download your Zoofari Trail Worksheet