ED CATOR - Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo

THE FLORIDA ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
ED
CATOR
EDUCATOR RESOURCE GUIDE
STUDENTS IN 6 TH -12 TH GRADES
2013-2014 SCHOOL YEAR
INSIDE
INSIDE
Win A Field Trip!
Special Exhibit –
Sea Lions!
Macaw Flyover

Dear Educator,
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo provides unique educational and
cultural experience for middle and high school students. Enhanced
by Zoo resources, year-round programs cover subjects like Florida’s
environment, animal life cycles and interdependencies, animal related
careers and many others–all intended to reinforce your school
curriculum and objectives.
Our science-based programs are led by knowledgeable
specialist guides, many teachers themselves, who make learning at the
Zoo both engaging and meaningful. Whether you choose a time-tested
themed program or design a customized itinerary, the Zoo’s expert
team can produce the ideal activity for your group.
Filled with interactive experiences, insights, and inspiration–
it’s time to gather your herd and head for the Zoo. Tampa’s Lowry
Park Zoo is a non-profit organization accredited by the Association
of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Fewer than 10% of the approximately
2,400 animal exhibitors licensed by the United States Department
of Agriculture can meet AZA’s rigorous standards. Our Zoo has also
been named the #1 Zoo in the US, twice, by national magazines. You
can be sure that your experience will follow-suit and be top notch.
Plus, the Zoo’s low group pricing means it’s more accessible to all.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Bacon-McLachlan
Vice President of Education
planning your visit
Tips for an Enjoyable Visit
• After scheduling your field trip, call or email for your complimentary Teacher Pass (free
admission) to visit before the field trip.
• Save time and pre-order lunch or gift bags for students.
• On the day of your visit, complete paperwork with the final student and adult headcount,
bring it to the Zoo’s Main Gate, and pay admission for your group.
• Go over Zoo rules and regulations with chaperones on the bus prior to arrival. This
information will be emailed to you when you reserve your group online.
• If your group schedules a special program, a confirmation letter will be sent to you
explaining where your group is to meet the Zoo Instructor.
• To help keep an accurate headcount, encourage your entire group to wear school shirts.
Should you choose to provide school nametags, please do not use the child’s name for
security reasons.
Visit LowryParkZoo.com for
these and other resources:
• Adopt an Animal with your
group, maybe even your
school animal mascot, and
visit it during your trip!
• Download podcasts
featuring insights and sounds about various
animal species.
• Take advantage of the FREE, self-guided
curriculum the Zoo provides to you. Use
the material as Pre/Post activities to
enhance your Zoo experience.
• E-News Letter “@ the Zoo” Stay updated!
Sign up to receive the Zoo’s monthly
electronic newsletter. Be the first to learn
about new school and teacher programs,
discounts, new animals, births and exciting
Zoo events. Sign-up for “@ the Zoo” on
the Zoo’s homepage.
$
One Day Field Trips
School Group Pricing
• A minimum number of 15 paying student
to be considered for a group admission or
program rate.*
• A flat rate will be listed if a program can
accommodate a lesser sized group.
• Must be a private or public school in
Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk,
Manatee, Sarasota and Hernando county
on one-day school field trip only.*
• 1 complimentary chaperone/educator per
10 students (mixed grade level groups and
groups 6th-12th grades).
• Free admission for bus/coach drivers.
• Zoo admission must be purchased to
participate in all in-Zoo programs (minimum
of 15 people for any group admission rate)
• Free Parking (car and motorcoach).
sea lions!
Smile and laugh as you come to see the Sea Lions,
March- May 2014, at the Zoo. Observe them
swimming under water as they frolic and play and
then meet them up close for a photo. Plus, get
ready for the “Sea Lion Splash Show.” This limited
time addition to the Zoo is sure to appeal to all.
NEW!
2 3
Hours
• Open 7 days a week
• 9:30a.m. - 5p.m.
• Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Days
• Extended Hours available for group
programs
• Average stay 3 hours
• Daily advisories posted online
• Hours subject to change without notice
due to inclement weather.
Group prices starting at:
$7 per student*
$11 per chaperone/educators*
*Other types of group rates are available. Visit website
for details. These can only be booked by phone/email.
Prices subject to change without notice. No refunds.
The right of final interpretation resides with Tampa’s
Lowry Park Zoo.*

save time and
money by ordering
meals and gift
bags in advance!
“do the
how
zoo”
to
When you bring your class to the Zoo, you can guide your own tour (General
Admission), or “add-on” one of the optional Zoo Adventure Programs that will
take your field trip experience to the next level.
A Day At The Zoo (General Admission)
Includes admission into the Zoo to visit during regular hours.
See page 3 for pricing details.
Zoo Adventure Programs (General Admission +)
These tours give your group a uniquely themed adventure and
behind-the-scenes information about the Zoo. Each is led by a
knowledgeable Zoo specialist guide.
Themes
Florida Boardwalk: Meet the original Florida natives, past, present and some with
future unknown.
Primate World: Bring your group of primates to meet ours and learn about the cool
characteristics of our closest cousins in the Animal Kingdom.
Asian Gardens: From unusual tapirs to the rare Malayan tigers, explore the fascinating
animals of this massive continent.
Safari Africa: The African savannah is home to elusive and diverse wildlife
as well as some of the world’s largest land mammals. Take a trek to see
what animals you can discover.
Avoid long lines and pick up pre-ordered items to
enhance your school group experience.
All orders must be placed at least 3 business
days prior to the field trip date.
Pre-Order Lunch
Child and Adult meals consist of:
Choice of Turkey, Ham, Peanut Butter
& Jelly, Veggie Wrap (Gluten-Free
Available) accompanied by Chips,
Cookie, and a Juice Box. Adult meals
will receive a can of soda.
Price: $6.00 each*
Pre-Order Gift Bags
Gift Bags include:
• Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo Pencil
• Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo post card
• Surprise item! (key chain, small toy,
sticker, etc.).
Price: $3.00 each*
Length
45-60 minutes
Price
Programs can accommodate between 15-60 people, including chaperones/
educators.
Add $4 per student/additional chaperone to general admission price.
See page 3 for pricing details.
See back cover for contact information to place orders.
*Prices valid for One Day Field Trip groups. See page 3 for details.
Full service catering is also available for your group events.
4 5

animal careers workshop
Discover what a career as a Zoo
Keeper can be like. This workshop gives
students an opportunity to learn more
about animal-related careers and to get
to know some of the animals at Tampa’s
Lowry Park Zoo.
Choose from these Workshop
Elements:
• Introduction to animal careers
• An animal encounter
• A Zoo tour including a “behind-thescenes”
component and an animal
enrichment or husbandry experience
• A mini service project. A certificate
acknowledging the service hours can
earned through the workshop.
Length: 3 hours
Price: $14 per student
Program can accommodate 15-60
people including chaperones.
wetlands connections:
science safari
Grades 6 – 8
Looking for an educational
experience focusing on Florida’s
environment? This program is
perfect for students to learn the
importance of wetlands and how
they support a wide diversity of
life. While at the Zoo, students will
participate in an experiment, go on
a mini scavenger hunt, and meet an
animal ambassador.
Length: 3 hours
Price: $14 per student
Program can accommodate 15-
60 people including chaperones/
educators.
species trek
Looking for a fun way to boost individual’s connection as
a team? Let our Zoo Instructor lead your teambuilding
adventure. Your group will identify their
“team species,” participate in a group
challenge designed to help improve their
communication and teamwork, and takepart
in a mini-scavenger hunt in the Zoo!
Length: 1.5 hours
Prices:
15-30 participants $250
31-60 participants $350
scavenger hunts
Use your animal instincts to solve clues, work together,
and have fun with Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo’s themed
scavenger hunts like ZSI: Zoo Scene Investigation.
Scavenge smartly and hunt hurriedly…the winning group
gets a prize.
Length: 1 hour
Prices:
1-100 participants $125
101-200 participants $225
florida’s original
macaw flyover
Daily at 10:15am & 2pm,
starting by the Manatee Fountain Circle
Bring your class to the front of the Zoo to experience this
exciting new animal encounter. Your students will amaze as the
young macaws fly right over their heads and then do a freeflight
through the Zoo!
ZooVentures animal trainers work with these parrots daily, using positive reinforcement techniques,
to encourage the travel of a specific route. The birds are rewarded with their favorite treats – nuts -
when they follow commands to fly to the designated location.
Native to Central and South America, these magnificent macaws are striking birds with radiant red
and brilliant blue plumage, large beaks and long tail feathers. They are some of the largest species
of parrots in the world. Macaws are smart, social birds that gather in flocks in the rain forests.
Macaws can also live as long as humans and require a great deal of attention and interaction.
6 7

youth development
The Education, Conservation and Community Opportunities (ECCO)
Leadership Program
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo is committed to the positive personal and professional development of youth
between the ages of 13 and 17. We carry out this commitment in a variety of ways, including providing
programs that emphasize the Zoo’s mission, “To connect people with the living Earth.”
This semester-long program highlights activities designed by youth, for youth, focusing on leadership,
animal husbandry and conservation, as well as local and global environmental issues.
ECCO empowers youth by equipping them
with the resources and skills necessary to:
• Make a positive structured change in their
own lives through self discovery, and
• Become a civic ambassador for the
environment through the practical
application of conservation efforts.
Participants also:
• Focus on team-building
• Develop technology skills using on-site
computer workstations
• Have time for conducting school-based
work with access Youth Center resources
• Can accumulate over 110 volunteer service hours, and
• Upon graduation from the ECCO program, have the opportunity to continue volunteering and
working with the Zoo in a variety of ways.
For more information, please contact the Youth Programs Coordinator at (813) 935-8552, ext. 479 or
craig.anderson@lowryparkzoo.com
volunteer
opportunities
Help Students Earn Required
Service Hours!
Year round volunteer opportunities are available. Towards the end of the year, the Zoo has two monthlong
events that present additional opportunities-- Wild Wonderland and Zoo Boo. These events are a
great way to earn service hours in evening hours!
Most students or groups can participate. Have a theatre or drama class or group? We have special
“scare actor” positions available during ZooBoo! No long term commitment or experience necessary.
Various skill levels can participate. You may sign up as a group or individually.
Volunteer Requirements:
• Be a minimum of 15 years of age.
• Be reliable, hard working and possess strong leadership skills.
• Must complete an Individual Volunteer Application.
• Must complete a Release of Liability.
• Zoo Boo and Wild Wonderland volunteers must work the entire shift.
Application forms can be found on LowryParkZoo.com/VolunteerOpportunties. For more information,
please contact (813) 935-8552, ext. 296 or natalie.lamb@lowryparkzoo.com.
sleepovers at the zoo
Your exciting experience includes:
• Your exciting overnight experience will include:
• Up-close encounter with animals
• A behind-the-scenes tour
• Theme specific craft or activities
• Pizza snack
• Light morning breakfast
Price:
$35 per person (with a minimum of 15 students)
$525 flat fee for student groups under 15 people
LIMITED
TIME OFFER!
Have a sleepover
Sunday-Thursday
and SAVE $5
per person! Look
online for details.
Themes
African Safari
Keep your eyes on Africa during this nighttime safari that travels
through this mysterious continent.
Awesome Australia
Discover the land down under in this Aussie adventure that
explores the diverse habitats, amazing animals, and incredible
people of this continental country.
Manatee Rescue
Join Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo’s efforts to help save the manatees.
Learn about our unique rescue facilities and spend the night side
by side with our incredible gentle giants in the air conditioned
Manatee Building.
Nocturnal Adventures
Find out who comes out when the sun goes down and
experience life as a nocturnal animal. Stalk and slither your way
through the Zoo to see nocturnal animals in action.
Rainforest Quest
Spend the night exploring the diversity of plants and animals
unique to rainforests. Discover the importance of this delicate
ecosystem and how our actions here can help save an
environment far, far away.
seasonal evening events
ZooBoo
September 27-28 Shriek Peek Preview Weekend
October 4-5, 11-13, 18-20 & 24-27
Hours: 7-11p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays,
and 7-10p.m. on other select nights
Come creep around ZooBoo at the Zoo -- the largest family Halloween
event in Tampa Bay. It’s a ghoulish good time for all. Don’t miss the
thrills, chills and family frights with attractions ranging in “scare factor”
including haunted houses and trails, Zoo-wide seasonal displays
and lights, music, specialty gift shop, night rides and more.
Wild Wonderland
December 7, 13-15, 17-23 & 26-30
Hours: 6:30 -10p.m.
Ask About
Special
Holiday
Themed
Sleepovers
It’s going to be brrrr-illiant! Meet Santa and his merry mammals – REAL
REINDEER, only at the Zoo. More merriment awaits with charming animated
displays, a million twinkling lights, free Zoo rides and traditional holiday treats.
Don’t miss this Tampa tradition, a whimsical world of holiday magic at the Zoo.
“Like” Zoo Boo and Wild Wonderland on Facebook to get Event Updates
8 9

zoo-to-you
Animals Come to Your
Classroom
tampa’s lowry park zoo’s annual events
There is always something new to do at the Zoo, so visit www.LowryParkZoo.com for
the most current calendar of special events, animal births and goings-on! You can also
find the Zoo on Facebook, twitter, YouTube and Flickr.
Bring interesting animals to your school. With ZooVentures,
the excitement of live animals, incredible animal bio-facts
and entertaining Zoo Keepers arrive ready to deliver a fun,
educational program.
Duration # of Animals Price
Standard Program 45-60 min 4-6 animals $500
Exotic Program 45-60 min 4-6 animals $600
Specific animals can be requested but not guaranteed.
Gas and mileage fees apply if more than 20 miles from the Zoo.
animal
presentation
at the zoo
Come face-to-face with ZooVenture animal
ambassadors while at Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo.
Duration # of Animals Price
20-30 min 2 animals $300
Program can accommodate 150 participants.
Specific animals can be requested but not guaranteed.
Visit LowryParkZoo.com for a complete list of ZooVenture animals.
DISCOUNTED ADMISSION DAYS
$6 Days
February, May, July and September
Father’s Day and Mother’s Day
Weekends (BOGO)
In honor of Father’s Day and Mother’s Day,
dads and moms receive free admission with
the purchase of their son’s or daughter’s fullpriced
admission ticket.
Military Appreciation
Memorial Day, Independence Day and
Veterans Day
On these days, military personnel (activeduty,
retirees and veterans) receive free Zoo
admission, along with their dependents.
It’s Your Birthday
Free admission on your birthday!
“PARTY” WITH A PURPOSE”:
Events with animal themes
Orangutan Egg Hunt
Friday prior to Easter
Watch the Bornean orangutan family have
some Easter fun with their own egg hunt, an
annual treat for the primates and Zoo guests.
Earth Day/Party for the Planet
April
Celebrate the living Earth at the Zoo with a
day of family fun and discovery.
Pumpkin Toss
October
Watch the animals have some Halloween fun
with their own pumpkin party.
Fiesta del Coqui (Coqui Festival)
November
A party with live music, food and special
activities. Celebrate the tiny frog of Puerto
Rico— the coqui!
FAMILY FUN
Día Del Niño (Day of the Child)
April
¡Vamos al zoológico! -- Let’s go to the Zoo!
Features bilingual narrators and signs, and
a variety of vendors. Activities are included
with Zoo admission.
Zoo Run Run
August
A Zoo-wide 5K run. Children can enter a
special “Fun Run” which follows the 5K.
ZooBoo
See page 7.
Wild Wonderland
See page 7.
Noon Year’s Eve
December 31 • 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Ring in the New Year family style at
the annual “Noon” Year’s Eve daytime
celebration.
FOR GROWN-UPS ONLY
Wild At Heart
February
Love birds head over for a unique date night
in the setting of the Zoo after dark.
ZOOZoom
March
A Zoo-wide 5K run.
Karamu
April
Join the area’s top business and community
leaders at Karamu, the Zoo’s signature
annual black tie gala. To inquire about
attending or supporting the event, call 813-
935-8552, ext. 225.
Charity Golf Classic at Old Memorial
Golf Club
May
Join the Zoo for the Charity Golf Classic, at
exclusive Old Memorial Golf Club, one of
Golf Magazine’s top 100 U.S. courses. For
more info or to be added to the mailing list
call (813) 935-8552, ext. 275.
WaZoo Beer Fest
August
Named a Top 10 beer fest in the USA!
Zoofari
November
Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo serves up one
of the biggest, tastiest and “wildest” allinclusive
food festivals in the Bay area.
10 11

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VARIOUS
GROUP PRICES, AND RESERVATIONS,
PLEASE VISIT LowryParkZoo.com
or contact
(813) 935-8552, ext. 268
Jamie.Elkington@LowryParkZoo.com
Fax: (813) 933-7949
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Tampa, FL
Permit #4097
GENERAL ADMISSION, LOCAL FIELD
TRIP RESERVATIONS CAN BE MADE
ONLINE:
LowryParkZoo.com/register
1101 W. Sligh Ave.
Tampa, FL 33604-4756
ALL OTHER GROUP/SCHOOL TRIPS
RESERVATIONS OR PROGRAMS
Lowryparkzoo.com/register
Email: Jamie.Elkington@lowryparkzoo.com
Call: (813) 935-8552, ext. 268
Pre-order Box Meals
Email: Jenna.Marsden@LowryParkZoo.com
Call: (813) 935-8552, ext. 239
*Please leave a voicemail to cancel a program.
United for Conservation
Order Form: LowryParkZoo.com/FTLunches
Pre-order Gift Bags
Email: Kim.Gefre@LowryParkZoo.com
Call: (813) 935-8552, ext. 215
All prices, programs and classes listed are
subject to change and availability without
notice.
LowryParkZoo.com
2014 TEACHER
APPRECIATION
OFFER
Clip
&
Save!
ONE FREE
ZOO TICKET
June 7-August 14, 2014
Florida Certified Teachers from
Hernando, Hillsborough, Pinellas,
Pasco, Polk, Manatee and Sarasota
counties, grades K-12, receive ONE
complimentary daytime admission
into the Zoo.
Present valid identification and this
original coupon.
Up to 2 additional one-day
admissions may be purchased at
$15 each (adult or child)
Teachers must present a valid professional or
temporary FDOE teaching certification, paystub,
and Florida ID to receive this offer. Offer does not
include support personnel. One complimentary
admission per coupon. All tickets valid only
on the day of purchase/coupon redemption.
Offer cannot be applied to pre-purchased
or online ticket sales, or combined with any
other discounts or offers. No photocopies or
facsimiles of coupon will be accepted. Additional
restrictions may apply. Prices and hours subject
to change without notice. No refunds. The right
of final interpretation resides with Tampa’s Lowry
Park Zoo. Not for resale. TLPZ#EDZOO13
win a free field trip
for your class!
Action Prevents
Extinction Contest
Get involved in the Zoo School’s annual conservation
contest! The Zoo recently celebrated the arrival of two baby
African elephants, but in the wild elephants are in trouble.
Elephant populations in Africa are under severe threat from
human-elephant conflict, intense poaching, disease, and
dramatic loss of habitat. Association of Zoos and Aquariums
(AZA) accredited zoos, like Tampa’s Lowry Park Zoo, are
leaders in elephant conservation, education and science,
and invite the public to celebrate and support elephants
by visiting them year round. Participate in this contest and
your class may win a field trip to visit the Zoo too. For a full
outline, rules, requirements and prize description visit
www.LowryParkoo.com/Teachers.