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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.
Creature Feature
Ages: 6 years old - 1st Grade
Participants: 60 maximum per program
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: 6 years old - 4th
Participants: 60 maximum per program
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!
Forests Near and Far
Ages: 2nd - 4th
Participants: 25 minimum - 60 maximum per program
Time: 45 - 50 minutes per program
Location: Indoors Only
Our beautiful Pacific Northwest is characterized by forests—grand expanses of evergreens watered by our famous gentle rains, and supporting a fascinating array of wildlife. But the world has lots of forests, both similar to and different from our own in many ways. Learn how our forests compare to those far away, and consider how changes in climate might affect our local forests. You’ll even meet an animal who hails from one of the world’s varied forest habitats!
Care for Animals
Ages: 3rd - Adult
Participants: 20 minimum; 100 maximum per program
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 about how all of us can help the animals who live with us and near us thrive on a daily basis!
Up CLOSE at your LARGE Event!
Ages: All Ages
Time: Up to 2 hours
Location: Indoors only, in a separate room from excessive noise
With Science Nights/Days in mind, this program is designed to be one part of your larger event. Set in a separate, quiet room, we will welcome your guests to visit and interact with ambassador animals and biofacts (such as bones, fur, feathers, etc). Participants will be able to enter and depart at their leisure, allowing themselves time to visit all the other great opportunities you have in store for them.
This is not a stand-alone program, but instead is an opportunity to have the zoo take part in a large event similar to a science night or community gathering.
INFORMATION
Payment Options & Tiered Pricing for Up CLOSE Programs and Up CLOSE at your Event!
Tier One
Eligible groups:
• Schools with 31-100% of students receiving free or reduced-price meals**
• Seattle Preschool Programs, Headstart and ECEAP groups
• Non-profits serving low-income populations
• Community organizations serving low-income populations
For Up CLOSE Programs, qualifying groups pay:
• $150 for first program
• $75 for second program*
For Up CLOSE at your Event!, qualifying groups pay:
• $225 for two hours
Tier Two
Eligible groups:
• Schools with 0-30% of students receiving free or reduced-price meals**
• Non-profits
• Community organizations
For Up CLOSE Programs, qualifying groups pay:
• $250 for first program
• $125 for second program*
For Up CLOSE at your Event!, qualifying groups pay:
• $375 for two hours
Tier Three
Eligible groups:
• Corporations and businesses
For Up CLOSE Programs, qualifying groups pay:
• $400 for first program
• $200 for second program*
For Up CLOSE at your Event!, qualifying groups pay:
• $600 for two hours
*Same program in same location, starting within 90 minutes of the start time of the first program. Limit of 2 programs per day.
**Or a comparable level of scholarship per OSPI
check availability / request an Up CLOSE Program
Cancellation Policy
For Up CLOSE programs two (2) weeks notice of cancellation is required for a credit or refund. Two (2) weeks notice is also required for change of program date. Final payment for your group must be received by the zoo a minimum of two (2) weeks prior to your Up CLOSE date.
Inclement Weather Policy
If Woodland Park Zoo is closed due to inclement weather, all programs scheduled that day will automatically be cancelled. If your program has been cancelled due to this policy, you will be contacted and able to choose to reschedule or receive a full refund.
Contact
If you cannot find the answers to your questions or need additional help please send us an email.