Education: Self-Guided Activities at the Wild Animal Park

Advance reservations are required for self-guided visits to the Wild Animal Park: please call 760-738-5057 for availability.

Make the most of your field trip time at the Wild Animal Park. Our Journey into Africa tour vehicle is not available to self-guided school groups April 1–June 15, but this is the perfect opportunity for you and your students to see the rest of the Park. In addition to using our free self-guided materials, you can add either of the following experiences to your visit:

Self-guided programs

These are complimentary programs, although an admission fee may apply.

Grades preschool–K

The Case of the Crazy Coverings
This is a fun and engaging learning adventure for preschool and kindergarten students. Use investigatory activities and riddles for an easy and interactive way to lead your students through the Wild Animal Park, and visit several interesting animals as you and your class explore body coverings and animal groups. Includes pre- and post-activities and specialized self-guided materials to maximize learning while your group is at the Park.
Standards: Science/Language Arts/Math

giraffe and calf

Grades 1–2

The Case of Crazy Cousin Kappy
Wildlife Detectives needed! Mr. G. Raffe’s cousin, Kappy, has moved, and we need your help to find him. Follow the clues to learn of the who’s and why’s of the Animal Kingdom as they lead you and your students on an exploration of the Wild Animal Park. Includes pre- and post-activities and specialized self-guided materials to maximize learning while your group is at the Park.
Standards: Science/Language Arts/Math/P.E./Geography/Performing Arts

Grades 3–5

The Great Condor Caper

Here's an adventure that leads you and your students throughout the Wild Animal Park in search of Grover, a missing California condor chick. While traveling around the park, your self-guided group will discover animal adaptations, explore different habitats, and get hands-on with scientific equipment. Includes pre- and post-activities and specialized self-guided materials to maximize learning while your group is at the Park.
Standards: Science/Math/Language/U.S. History/Social Sciences/Technology/Visual Arts

Grade 6

From Biomes to Bio-webs: A Biology Mystery

A local animal population is in trouble and we need the biological minds of your students to help solve the mystery. Become biology detectives to follow the clues that will lead your class around the Wild Animal Park to uncover the source of the problem. Your team of biologists will discover the intricate links of a food web as they solve this ecosystem mystery. Includes pre- and post-activities and specialized self-guided materials to maximize learning while your group is at the Park.
Standards: Science/Language Arts/Visual and Performing Arts

Grade 7

ZSI: Zoo Science Investigators and the Case of the Perplexing Primate Polluters

A gang of petulant primates must be at large, disposing of debris deliberately along the pathways of the Wild Animal Park. Today you are all official members of ZSI, our special operations team of Zoo Science Investigators. Use your detective skills to unravel this mystery. Includes pre- and post-activities and specialized self-guided materials to maximize learning while your group is at the Park.
Standards: Science/Math

Grade 8

If I Built the Zoo

How do you keep an elephant from charging? You take away their credit card, of course! If only it was that easy. So how do you keep a 15,000-pound animal from busting out? Do your students have what it takes to build their own zoo? There’s a whole lot more to it then just putting an animal or two in an enclosure. Students will take on the role of the Park’s architect as they explore the Wild Animal Park and unlock the mysteries of how we recreated Africa in San Diego. Includes pre- and post-activities and specialized self-guided materials to maximize learning while your group is at the Park.
Standards: Science/Math

Grade 9–12

Like You've Never Seen Before

Art at the Park? Travel without moving your feet? Field research here at home? Students will study animal behavior, create a journal, and tap into their creative side during this self-guided adventure.  View the Park from many new perspectives as you and your students explore the mysteries of what makes this multi-million dollar operation so successful. Includes pre- and post-activities and specialized self-guided materials to maximize learning while your group is at the Park.
Standards: Science/Math

Animal Presentations

Grades Pre-K–12
Enhance your self-guided field trip visit to the Wild Animal Park. Talk with a trainer about a subject you choose and meet two animals up close. Call for a list of topics relevant to your grade level.
Fee: $75 for a 30-minute presentation. Program fee must be received no later than two weeks after the reservation has been made. Presentation is also available in Spanish. Call 760-738-5057 for reservations.

California Condor Classroom Kit/Actividades Sobre Condores de California NEW!

Grades 3–6
Check out our bilingual kits and study the endangered California condor in your classroom. Each kit contains hands-on materials and classroom lessons.
Fee: $5 for two-week loan, plus a refundable $75 deposit. Call 760-738-5057 to reserve a kit.

Safari Backpacks

Grades 5–8
Check out a Safari Backpack to use at the Wild Animal Park while visiting the Heart of Africa exhibit. Each backpack contains seven hands-on activities that allow students to explore the African savanna while experiencing the life of a field researcher. The backpacks are designed to be taught in groups of five with at least one adult per group (limit six backpacks per reservation).
Fee: $5 per backpack for two-week loan for use in the classroom and during a visit to the Wild Animal Park. There is a refundable $25 deposit. Call 760-738-5057 for reservations.