ZooMobile
Bring the Zoo to you
An education specialist will bring ZooMobile to your setting and use small animals and animal artifacts to teach audience-appropriate topics. Participants will have an opportunity to see the animals up-close . Educators, see how our programs align with the Next Generation Science Standards.
Happy, Healthy, and Alive
Let’s see…you’ve got your water, you’ve got your food, you’ve got your air, and a little space—all the requirements for survival…right? While all animals have these basic needs in common, we all get them in different ways. Just like humans, each individual animal may have their own preferences, too! As students meet our visiting ambassador animals, they will learn how each animal finds food, where they sleep at night (or during the day!), and how we all have more in common than we think.
Ooh, That Smells So Good on my Tongue
Can you hear with your feet? Do you smell with your mouth? Might sound strange to us, but for different animals, using your body parts in different ways is key to survival. Together we’ll use some or our senses to see how animals use their bodies and various senses to survive in the wild.
Amazing Adaptationsss
How do snakes move without any limbs? How does a turtle’s shell help keep them safe, and could they leave it if they wanted to? Why do some animals smell with their tongue while we use our nose? Animals throughout the world have amazing adaptations to help them survive in their habitats. With the help of our visiting ambassador animals, students will make observations to discover how animals use their unique adaptations to thrive in the wild.
Mechanisms of Survival
How do animals of all shapes and sizes defend themselves? What makes an animal a predator, and when are they prey? What does the color of their scales have to do with it? With the help of our visiting ambassador animals, students will discover, discuss, and document the different defense mechanisms that our animals use to survive in the wild.
Coexisting With Wildlife
Have you ever seen a raccoon or raven digging through garbage? What about a coyote walking across the playground? What are these wild animals doing so close to our homes and backyards? The truth is, these spaces were their homes first! Many local wildlife species have been around long before cities were built, so now it’s up to us to keep our shared habitats safe for all living beings. Students will discuss human impact on the environment and explore actions we can take to responsibly coexist with wildlife.
Based on your school's location–or zone—a flat fee is charged to cover gas and driving time. Please see Frequently Asked Questions (below) for zone and fee information.
Our programs are very popular, so we highly recommend that you submit your ZooMobile request form at least 4-6 weeks in advance of the date you would like to reserve. Unfortunately, we cannot accommodate requests for bookings less than two weeks prior to the event.
A copy of your PO or payment in full is due at least 30-days in advance. Delayed payment could result in an automatic cancellation.
One change to your reservation date can be made (depending on availability) as long as it is requested at least 30 days prior to your originally scheduled program. Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the scheduled program date will receive a full refund. Unfortunately, we cannot give any refunds for cancellations made less than 2 weeks in advance.
Contact
Eunice Hui
Operations Coordinator
Oakland Zoo Learning and Engagement
FAQ
How many students can join in the program?
For the best experience, we allow a maximum of 35 participants (children and adults) per class/program.
May we take photographs or video?
Please feel free to photograph or videotape our presentation.
What are ZooMobile zone fees?
Zone fees cover expenses, such as gas and extended driving time. Fees are as follows:
Zone Fee: $0
- Alameda, Albany, Ashland, Berkeley, Castro Valley, Cherryland, Emeryville, Hayward, Mount Eden, Oakland, Piedmont, San Leandro, San Lorenzo
Zone Fee: $35
- Canyon, Dublin, East Richmond Heights, Fairview, El Cerrito, El Sobrante, Kensington, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasanton, Richmond, Rollingwood, San Pablo, Tara Hills, Walnut Creek
Zone Fee: $50
- Alamo, Diablo, Danville, Pleasant Hill, San Ramon, Walden
- At least two (2) programs must be reserved.
Zone Fee: $75
- Bayview-Montalvin, Concord, Fremont, Livermore, Newark, Union City, Sunol
- At least two (2) programs must be reserved.
What if the ZooMobile is late?
Our staff are expected to arrive at your location 5-10 minutes prior your first scheduled start time.
If there are unexpected delays, please contact our Operations Coordinator at (510) 632-9525 ext. x219 to check on our ZooMobile staff's location and estimated time of arrival. If you are unable to reach our Operations Coordinator at the provided extension, dial *0 to reach the operator and request them to radio Learning & Engagement.
What animals will be coming?
Most of our ZooMobile programs feature 1-2 ambassador animals, which may include any of the following: reptiles, amphibians and/or invertebrates.
Will we be able to touch the animals?
While we do allow two-finger touches on a selection of our ambassador animals, it is never a guarantee. Our staff are trained to recognize signs of stress in our animals and assess their overall comfort, which is the main determining factor in whether or not a group has physical contact. While not touching an ambassador animal may seem disappointing, it is always a wonderful opportunity for us to promote empathy for wildlife and their individual needs. Our staff will always bring bio-facts, just in case, so that participants are able to touch something novel.
Note: For the safety of the students and the animals, we do not allow PreK, Kinders, and 1st graders to touch the animals.
May we request a particular animal?
While we do not accept requests for particular animals to visit on your ZooMobile, we do ask that you share any known fears or concerns your participants may have surrounding potential animals.
Can we have our program outside?
Yes! However, some of our animals are sensitive to temperature changes, and we request that an optional indoor environment be available, in case outdoor temperatures are not suitable. If your only spaces available are outdoors, or areas where you cannot control the temperature, please let us know as soon as possible.
Can we make changes to our reservation?
One change to your reservation date can be made (depending on availability) as long as it is requested at least 30 days prior to your originally scheduled program.
Should you need to make a change, we will gladly work with you to reschedule a date for later in the same school year, pending availability, and any previous payments will be applied to the new reservation.
What kind of payment is accepted?
We can accept purchase orders, check, and credit card payments 30-days prior to the reservation date.
Are ZooMobile programs available for birthday parties?
ZooMobile programs are educational programs that support the Next Generation Science (NGSS) & Common Core Standards. Our programs are designed to complement and supplement the classes’ science curriculum. ZooMobile programs are not designed to be Animal Meet and Greet experiences.