School at the Zoo (SAZ)

I helped out with School at the Zoo today.  We had a group from Thomas Jefferson Middle School.  When classes attend SAZ they go for a week, Monday through Friday, hours usually about 9-2.  So, they have a full week of learning about animals, eco-systems, plants, etc.  Besides classroom work they get to go to different exhibits and many times the Keepers in that area will talk to them about the animals and be able to answer questions. 
Here, we went up to the Camels exhibit and the Keeper, (Adam)  was telling them all about the Camels unique adaptations to survive in its environment.  The talks are always interesting and I can always pick up a few things I'll be able to share with people acting as a Louisville Zoo Docent.

After lunch we went to the Orangutan Exhibit and the Keeper, Beverly, talked to the Class.  It's interesting to hear how they train them and why they train them. 

The whole week is fun for the students and they get to learn a little something, too.  They are given a test before the week starts, and the same test at the end of the week to see   how much they picked up  that they didn't know before.

During the classroom time, this group you see is divided up into 3 groups, so each class has about 12-15 students.  Each Class will have one educator with two Docents to help.  At the end of each day 3 of the education animals are brought out, animals that live in the habitat that was discussed that day.  Animals that they can touch and have the experience of knowing what they feel like.  Touching a snake, lizard, Ferret, or Chinchilla is a little more exciting than just hearing about one or looking at it.