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AMBASSADOR ANIMAL PROGRAMS
Up CLOSE is Woodland Park Zoo’s ambassador animal outreach program. Designed for various age groups, Up CLOSE offers programming to schools, non-profits, community organizations, corporations, and businesses. These engaging programs are designed to bring the zoo to you, get participants excited about the natural world, and build empathy towards animals.
Little Critters
Ages: Preschool - Kindergarten
Time: 30-45 minutes per program
Location: Indoors only
Stories about animals speak to the minds and hearts of young children in a way nothing else can. Your youngest students will learn simple science facts, gain interest in literacy, and build empathy for animals with the help of zoo staff and a special animal guest in this fun, story-based program!
Animal Body Coverings
Ages: Preschool - 4th
Time: 30 - 45 minutes per program
Location: Indoors Only
Why do animals look so different from one another? How do those differences help them survive? We’ll learn about animal adaptations through some of their most visible characteristics. You will get the chance to see and touch interesting animal artifacts, and even get to meet a zoo ambassador animal to see their adaptations in action!
Legend of Dragons
Ages: Preschool - 6th
Time: 30 - 45 minutes per program
Location: Indoors Only
When you imagine a dragon, what do you see? People from different cultures imagine dragons in a variety of ways—not surprising, considering the diversity of animals around the world stories can be based on! We will explore the unique and fascinating lives of reptiles, then meet a zoo ambassador animal who knows firsthand what it’s like to be a dragon.
Ecosystem Explorers
Ages: 3rd - 8th
Time: 60 minutes per program
Location: Indoors Only
Our earth offers a mind-boggling variety of places to live, from dusty deserts to steamy tropical forests to everything else in between. All these ecosystems are home to many different species—including ourselves! We’ll meet a Woodland Park Zoo ambassador animal (or maybe two!) who will help teach us the important parts of a thriving ecosystem, as well as a little about how the zoo is helping keep wildlife populations strong and healthy both here in Washington and around the world.
Living and Thriving
Ages: 3rd - 5th
Time: 50 minutes per program
Location: Indoor Only
Have you ever wondered what animals think and feel? We do, too! This is a Multi-Visit opportunity to learn directly from animal keepers about how to observe animals so that we can better understand them and care for them. In three visits from Woodland Park Zoo staff, students will be guided through a progression of activities which are designed to develop their observation skills and empathy for animals. These lessons focus on wants and needs and how animals, like us, deserve to not just survive, but thrive!
Care for Animals
Ages: 3rd - Adult
Time: 50 minutes per program
Location: Indoors Only
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to go to work to care for animals at the zoo? Woodland Park Zoo’s animal keepers have to be animal experts, but they also help each and every animal thrive by getting to really know the personalities and preferences for each animal in their care. Learn directly from animal keepers about how all of us can help the animals who live with us and near us thrive on a daily basis!
Tiered Pricing Options for Up CLOSE Animal Ambassador Programs
Tier One
Eligible groups:
• Schools with 61-100% receiving free or reduced-price meals**
• Seattle Preschool Programs, Headstart and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) groups
• Non-profits
• Community organizations serving low-income populations
• Community Access Program (CAP) recipients
Up CLOSE Ambassador Animal Programs, qualifying groups pay:
• $30 for first program
• $30 for second program*
Tier Two
Eligible groups:
• Schools with 31-60% receiving free or reduced-price meals**
For Up CLOSE Ambassador Animal Programs, qualifying groups pay:
• $100 for first program
• $75 for second program*
Tier Three
Eligible groups:
• Schools with 0-30% receiving free or reduced-price meals**
For Up CLOSE Ambassador Animal Programs, qualifying groups pay:
• $200 for first program
• $150 for second program*
Tier Four
Eligible groups:
• Corporations and buisinesses
For Up CLOSE Ambassador Animal Programs, qualifying groups pay:
• $600 per program
*Same program in same location, starting within 90 minutes of the start time of the first program
**Or a comparable level of scholarship per OSPI
UP CLOSE EVENTS
Up CLOSE at your Event!
Ages: All Ages
Time: Up to 4 hours
Location: Outdoors or Indoors
Bring the zoo to your community, school, or corporate event! We can provide experiences to fit your event, including rotating Ambassador Animals, and engaging, family-friendly activities.
Tiered Pricing Options
Tier One
Eligible groups:
• Schools with 61-100% receiving free or reduced-price meals**
• Seattle Preschool Programs, Headstart and Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) groups
• Non-profits
• Community organizations serving low-income populations
• Community Access Program (CAP) recipients
Up CLOSE Events with family-friendly activities (no Ambassador Animals), qualifying groups pay:
• $100 for two hours
• $150 for three hours
• $200 for four hours
Up CLOSE Events with Ambassador Animals, qualifying groups pay:
• $125 first hour
• $175 for two hours
• $225 for three hours
• $275 for four hours
Tier Two
Eligible groups:
• Schools with 31-60% receiving free or reduced-price meals**
Up CLOSE Events with family-friendly activities (no Ambassador Animals), qualifying groups pay:
• $200 for two hours
• $250 for three hours
• $350 for four hours
Up CLOSE Events with Ambassador Animals, qualifying groups pay:
• $250 first hour
• $375 for two hours
• $450 for three hours
• $525 for four hours
Tier Three
Eligible groups:
• Schools with 0-30% receiving free or reduced-price meals**
Up CLOSE Events with family-friendly activities (no Ambassador Animals), qualifying groups pay:
• $300 for two hours
• $375 for three hours
• $450 for four hours
Up CLOSE Events with Ambassador Animals, qualifying groups pay:
• $400 first hour
• $500 for two hours
• $600 for three hours
• $700 for four hours
Tier Four
Eligible groups:
• Corporations and buisinesses
Up CLOSE Events with family-friendly activities (no Ambassador Animals), qualifying groups pay:
• $600 per hour
Up CLOSE Events with Ambassador Animals, qualifying groups pay:
• $1,000 first hour
• $1,500 for two hours
• $1,800 for three hours
• $2,000 for four hours
*Same program in same location, starting within 90 minutes of the start time of the first program
**Or a comparable level of scholarship per OSPI
INFORMATION
Registration
Please click on the register button below to download the Up CLOSE registration form.
Register
Please Note: A $30 non-refundable deposit is required to book an Up CLOSE Program or Up CLOSE Event. The remaining balance (full payment) must be received by the zoo a minimum of three (3) weeks in advance of the confirmed program date.
Cancellation Policy
For Up CLOSE programs three (3) weeks notice of cancellation is required for a credit or refund. Three (3) weeks notice is also required for change of program date. Final payment for your group must be received by the zoo a minimum of three (3) weeks prior to your Up CLOSE date.
Contact
If you cannot find the answers to your questions or need additional help please contact the Registrar at 206.548.2424 x2 or send an email.