Education - Niabi Zoo

Educating to Inspire Conservation Action

If people don’t know what is happening to animals and habitats, they won’t care enough to do anything about the threats facing them. If they remain unaware of the impact of human activities, they will not change their own behavior nor advocate for change. We must teach people to care enough to act, for without action, conservation cannot occur. Connecting the community with animals and nature will increase awareness and appreciation for biodiversity, causing them to care about conservation issues and increase the likelihood of supporting conservation efforts.

Education is Conservation

Through unified conservation messaging, engaging curriculum-based programming, modern interpretation techniques, and a diverse array of programs to reach all age levels, the Niabi Zoo is able to truly educate guests to inspire them to take action toward conservation of the natural world. By not only raising awareness but also providing established action steps for individuals, families, and institutions, this will result in behavior change and conservation action at home and abroad.

Classes & Workshops

We offer a variety of classes and workshops year-round that support education standards and take into account the learning style and experience of each participant.

Zoo Camp

Each of the 5 days of Zoo Camp will include a variety of activities, hands-on lessons, specialized zoo tours, as well as exclusive animal observations! Each day is curated to enlighten, encourage, and enrich your camper in an education-based summer camp.

Zoo2U Outreach

Education outreach programs allow participants to learn about animals, their habitats, diet, adaptations and conservation. These curriculum-based programs are presented by professional educators in a fun, educational, and engaging way.

Field Trips

Bring your herd to Niabi Zoo to see over 600 animals representing nearly 150 species from around the world within 40 acres of picturesque forest preserve. Your trip to Niabi will surely be filled with fun and educational experiences for groups of all ages.

Animal Encounters

See some special animals up-close and behind-the-scenes as you observe a training session with the zookeepers and the animals as you learn what it takes to care for Niabi’s animals 365 days a year.

Dine with the Animals

Join us for the wildest meal in town! After enjoying a bountiful buffet, go on an exclusive tour behind the scenes with a zookeeper, a fun-filled trivia night, an up-close animal encounter, or a nature-inspired art project, each event is sure to be memorable!

Virtual Zoo Experiences

Niabi’s Virtual Zoo Experiences allow participants to learn from Conservation Educators and Zookeepers while viewing animals at the Zoo. Whether it is a class-based program, behind the scenes tour, or interpretive animal chat, we can bring the zoo experience directly to your digital class, group meeting, or living room!

Zoo Career Counseling

Interested in working with animals as a career? Learn what it takes to gain experience, what schooling is required, and the skills needed to work as a keeper, veterinarian, and educator, in conservation, guest services, technology, and more!