Act Wild for Wildlife and Wild Places!
Hands-on exploration and discovery are crucial elements of these programs for 12-14 year olds. Designed to provide more in-depth investigation into topics on nature and wildlife, these programs combine live animal encounters with Zoo hikes and other topic-appropriate activities. These programs are designed to maximize peer interaction and engagement, therefore, parents need not accompany child.
Who can participate?
- Children 12-14 years old.
- These programs are designed to maximize peer interaction and engagement, therefore, parents need not accompany child.
When are 12-14 year old programs available?
- Year round. See below for dates and topics.
How much are 12-14 year old programs?
- Cost per Class: See below for cost.
Where do 12-14 year old programs take place?
- Most occur in the Harold C. Schott Education Center. Confirmation materials will be received once you have registered.
Questions? Contact us at (513) 559-7767 or email registrars@cincinnatizoo.org
Winter Dates and Topics
| topic | description | Dates & Times | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| LET’S PLAY! |
What’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys? Animal enrichment, of course! Whether it is a box sprayed with perfume or apples hidden in a pile of mulch, keeping the animals at the Zoo entertained can be a creative job. In this class, we’ll learn the purpose and process that goes into the creation of enrichment
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December 10: 1-2:30 pm |
Members: $12 / Non-Members: $16
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| BE MINE! |
From gifts of food to elaborate dance routines, animals have interesting ways of finding and winning over a mate. With a game, animal demos, and a hike around the Zoo, we’ll learn about some of the funny and strange things that animals do to win over a prospective partner. Register Online
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February 11: 1-2:30 pm |
Members: $12 / Non-Members: $16
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BACKSTAGE PASS JR
FEATHERED FRIENDS |
Is your 12-14 year old looking for a more in-depth, once-in-a-lifetime experience How many fish does a puffin eat for lunch? Where do the Zoo’s lorikeets go in the winter? How do you get a job taking care of such cool birds? Get the answer to these questions and more when we take a guided behind the scenes look at the Wings of the World bird house. Don’t forget to bring your camera! Register Online |
January 21: 1-1:45 pm |
Members: $30 / Non-Members: $45 |
Spring Dates and Topics
| topic | description | Dates & times | COST |
|---|---|---|---|
| FOOD FOR THOUGHT |
Feeding over 500 different species of animals is no easy feat! From insectivores to carnivores and newborn to elderly, every animal has their own special needs that must be met. Come and learn about how and where the Zoo holds, cooks, and divvies up the Zoo animal’s food and even get an opportunity to feed the goats a snack. Register Online |
April 14: 1-2:30 pm |
$15/ MEMBER $20/ NON-MEMBER |
| BACKSTAGE PASS JR.: ANIMAL HOSPITAL |
From anaesthetizing an aardvark to cleaning a tiger’s teeth, the Zoo’s vet hospital has to be ready to handle almost any animal’s medical need. Find out about these veterinarians’ tools of the trade and tour their high-tech work space that helps them keep our animal collection in top shape. Please note that no animals or medical proceedures will be viewed during this program. Register Online |
April 28: 10-10:45 am |
$30/ MEMBER $45/ NON-MEMBER |
| VIP BACKSTAGE PASS JR.: THE MAST FARM |
What does the Zoo do with animals that are between exhibits or need privacy in order to successfully breed? Come visit the Zoo’s Mast Farm to find out! Don’t forget your camera, because during this program, you will get a behind- the-scenes look at rare animals such as the Zoo’s cheetahs and rare birds that call the farm home. You will also get the inside scoop on when there will be more baby cheetahs on the way! Note: due to this class’ off-grounds location, one adult/parent driver accompanying each paying participant may also pay to participate. All visitors to the farm must be accomp-- anied by Zoo staff at all times; therefore, drivers who do not choose to participate are not permitted to remain on farm-grounds during their child’s program. Register Online |
March 31: 9-10 am |
$50/ MEMBER $65/ NON-MEMBER |







