Up Close
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: Preschool - Kindergarten
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: Preschool - 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!
Hot Days, Cold Blood
Ages: 3rd - 5th
Participants: 60 maximum per program
Time: 45 - 50 minutes per program
Location: Indoors Only
Imagine lying out in the sun to warm yourself up. Ahhh—it's a great vacation activity! But for ectotherms (you might know them as cold-blooded animals), it can be a necessary start to every day. This program will introduce your students to energy in the environment, all from the perspective of animals who rely on the sun to get them moving. Warm up that classroom first—you'll be getting a visit from an animal who likes it toasty!
Forests Near and Far
Ages: 2nd - 4th
Participants: 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 Event!
Ages: All Ages
Time: Up to 2 hours
Location: Indoors only, in a separate room from excessive noise
Add more fun to your Science Night (or Science Day!) with a visit from zoo staff and Ambassador Animals! Educators will bring a variety of animals and a wealth of feathers, fur, bones and other fascinating objects for families to meet and examine as they walk around your event.
INFORMATION
Registration
Please complete this registration form, and we will contact you about your Up CLOSE program.
Fees
Base rate: $400 for the first program, $200 for the second program*
School or nonprofit organization: $250 for the first program, $125 for the second program*
School or nonprofit serving low-income communities: $150 for the first program, $75 for the second program* (defined as at least 30% of students qualified for free/reduced lunch per OSPI)
Please Note: A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to book an Up CLOSE Program. The remaining balance (full payment) must be received by the zoo a minimum of two (2) weeks in advance of the confirmed program date.
*Same program in the same location, starting within 90 minutes of the start time of the first program. Limit 2 programs per day.
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.