ZooSchool
It's time for ZooSchool
Bring your class to the Zoo and experience a day full of adventure! ZooSchool includes a classroom lesson followed by a guided tour of the Zoo. Outdoor lunch space is reserved for participants. When ZooSchool is over, classes are welcome to explore the Zoo.
OUSD Title 1 schools are eligible for Zoo-to-Community support, providing funds and space are available.
*NOTE: ZooSchool slots are SOLD OUT for the remainder of the school year through May 2026.
Happy, Healthy Animals
The five things required of all living organisms to survive include water, air, shelter, food, and space—but is that enough to keep animals happy? Just like humans, playing and having something fun or interesting to do can be just as important to an animal’s health as getting food and water. Through observation, students will discover what animals need to survive and that some animals need more to lead an enriching life!
**SPECIAL NOTE:
The Kindergarten program is a 30-minute classroom program only and DOES NOT INCLUDE a guided exploration of the zoo.
Ooh, That Smells So Good on my Tongue
Can you hear with your feet or smell with your mouth? It may sound strange, but animals use their bodies in unique ways to survive. Together we’ll explore how they use their senses in the wild!
Hitching a Ride, Seeds on the Move
How do plants get from one place to another if they can’t move? Plants have five primary mechanisms for moving seeds. In this class, students will learn the ways that seeds are dispersed, and plants are pollinated, specifically focusing on animals' roles in pollination and helping seeds move along to grow in other places.
Habitat is Where the Home Is
Why are polar bears white? Why does a camel have a hump? What would happen if the bear moved to the desert and the camel transferred to the tundra? Join us as we explore the world of animal adaptations and how each habitat affects the animals that live there—and vice versa!
Mechanisms of Survival
What is an animal defense mechanism? What is a predator? What is prey? What defenses do animals take to protect themselves? Students will discover, talk about, and write about different defense mechanisms that animals use to survive.
Oh Deer!
There are four basic resources for any animal species’ survival: food, water, shelter, and ample space. As the population grows and the habitat is used more, sometimes resources decline to a point at which the population can no longer be supported. Students will discover the importance and fragility of ecosystems by thinking critically and reimagining the world with the loss of animal species and the importance of resource availability.
Nature's balancing act
Herbivores eat plants, the carnivores eat them, and the decomposers always win in the end. All organisms "work" together to provide a healthy ecosystem—that's interdependence! So what happens when one is taken out of the equation? What happens when one is added to the balance? Students will discover the importance and fragility of ecosystems by thinking critically and reimagining the world with the loss of important keystone species and the addition of invasives.
Stewarding nature: people, plants, and purpose
Explore the complex relationships that help keep ecosystems thriving! In this two-session program, students step into the role of land stewards to investigate how environmental management impacts the balance between living organisms and their physical surroundings. Through interactive activities and case studies, students will discover how land has been cared for in the past—particularly by Indigenous communities—and how these practices inform today’s park management strategies. This program encourages students to think critically about who historically managed California’s parklands, who does so today, and how informed stewardship supports resilient ecosystems. Students will leave with a deeper understanding of their role in protecting the places we all share.
**SPECIAL NOTE The Middle School program is a two-session program (50 minutes each for a total of 100 minutes) at your school site. This program does not include a zoo visit.
Please submit your ZooSchool Request Form at least 4–6 weeks prior to 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.
Cancellations made more than 30 days prior to the scheduled program date will receive a full refund. We cannot give any refunds for cancellations made less than 30 days in advance.
Contact
Eunice Hui
Operations Coordinator
Oakland Zoo Learning and Engagement
Frequently Asked Questions
My school is in OUSD and receives Title 1 funds. Are we eligible for Zoo-to-Community support?
Yes. Schools in the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD)—that receive Title 1 funds—qualify for our Zoo-to-Community program. Designed to make Oakland Zoo and select Oakland Zoo School Programs more accessible, Zoo-to-Community provides Title 1 schools with free access to Oakland Zoo, providing program funds and space are available. Transportation costs may also be covered by request if funds are available.
When you fill out your reservation request form, please indicate that you're interested in receiving Zoo-to-Community support. Our staff will contact you to confirm details. If Zoo-to-Community funds are available and you'd like to make a reservation, a non-refundable deposit of $100 is required.
What kind of payment is accepted?
We can accept purchase orders, check, and credit card payments 30-days prior to the reservation date.
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.
May we take photographs or video?
Please feel free to photograph or videotape our presentation.
What happens if it is storming?
Wildlife Assembly programs take place rain or shine. The program will be held in the Zimmer Auditorium in the event of rain or cool temperatures. Please make sure your students are dressed appropriately. Programs will be rescheduled when the zoo is closed during inclement weather conditions for the safety of guests and exhibited animals.
What if we are running late?
We are sorry, but because our program schedule is very tight, we may not be able to accommodate your program if you are more than 15 minutes late for your start time.
If you think you may be late, please call our Operations Coordinator, Eunice Hui, immediately at (510) 632-9525 x219 to see what arrangements can be made.
Although we cannot offer a refund if you do miss your program, we may be able to reschedule it for some other time during the same school year.
Does a Zoo Member still have to pay for the program?
Zoo Membership does not apply to ZooSchool programs; as this program is separate from regular Zoo Admission.
We are a Title 1 school. Can we request Zoo-to-Community support?
Due to our commitment to the Oakland community, requests coming from outside of the Oakland Unified School District will not be considered.
What are the chaperone requirements?
One adult required for every 6 students under the age of 18.
Maximum number of chaperones per class (teachers + parent chaperones) is 8.
How do we pay for additional adults or students?
On the day of your program, you may pay for any additional students or adults (to the group maximum) at the Education Office. Payment must be made before the students or adults join the program. We can only accept credit cards.
Please note that any adults above the maximums may enjoy the Zoo during the program but will have to pay the standard Zoo admission at the Main entrance. Teachers are responsible for making arrangements for these parents.
What if a chaperone brings a sibling?
We are sorry, but absolutely no siblings (including children in strollers) are allowed to attend your program. Parents with siblings may enjoy the Zoo during the program but will have to pay the standard Zoo admission for themselves and the siblings. Teachers are responsible for making arrangements for these parents.
What if we have fewer participants on the day of the program than we paid for?
Because we have planned and staffed your program for the number of participants you originally requested, we are unable to provide refunds if you have fewer participants on the day of your program.