Animal Ambassadors

You can have the zoo come to you! Our Animal Ambassadors make trips all around the Big Country to schools, day cares, and even events.

Looking for a WILD addition to your classroom or event? Let the zoo bring animals to you from our Ambassador Animal collection. These animals vary from snakes, lizards, and turtles to hawks, owls, and armadillos. You never know what we’ll bring!

For additional information or to book an Animal Ambassador visit, fill out a Request Form.

If you have question please contact the Education Department at (325) 676-6487 or zoo.education@abilenetx.gov

Outreach Request Form

Preschool Program

Cost: First presentation $100/ additional same-day presentations $50

This presentation is perfect for daycares, preschools, and other early childhood centers.  Each program lasts approximately 20 minutes and includes fun, interactive animal artifacts and up to 4 animal ambassadors. Presentations are designed to be hands-on learning experiences, and are recommended for ages 3 to 5.

We even have Preschool Presentation options that focus on key curriculum:

Colorful Critters: Nature is full of colors! In this presentation, we will identify the colors of various animals and why those colors are important.

Moovin’ and Groovin’: Can you hop like a rabbit? Flap your wings like a bird? As a group, we will explore the different ways that animals move. We will get up and move as a class and then meet some animals that can show us their moves!

Animal Coverings: Explore the differences between feathers, fur, and scales. Get to see and touch examples of these crazy coverings through animal artifacts and live animal ambassadors!

*Travel/Fuel charge added based on mileage from the Abilene Zoo. All Abilene ISD & Wylie ISD presentations will not be charged for mileage. Talk with our Education Team to receive mileage estimate.

Presentations for Senior Centers

Cost: $100

Can’t make it out to the zoo? Let the zoo come to you! A visit from our animal ambassadors will brighten the day for your residents at any nursing home, hospital, or long-term care facility. Let our presenters come and share warm stories and personal information about some of our animals from the zoo. These programs focus on touch and interaction, engaging guests of all ages and abilities. An exciting visit from the zoo is sure to spark new conversations for weeks to come!

Option 1: group presentation- residents meet in a common room for a group presentation including 3-4 animals. These presentations do include touch and interaction opportunities, but touching opportunities may be limited to groups of over 50 people.

Option 2: Mingling format- Want more of a one-on-one experience for your residents? With the assistance of someone at your facility, one of our presenters can take an animal ambassador room to room for a special personal visit with your residents.

*Travel/Fuel charge added based on mileage from the Abilene Zoo. All Abilene ISD & Wylie ISD presentations will not be charged for mileage. Talk with our Education Team to receive mileage estimate.

Classroom Presentations

Cost: First presentation $150/ additional same-day presentations $75

Get ready for a wild lesson your students will never forget!  Our presenter will focus on a grade-appropriate theme while using animal ambassadors and artifacts to help enhance the learning. Each presentation lasts approximately 30 minutes. Speak with an educator today and learn about some of our grade recommended themes or work with our educators to develop a program to coordinate with a lesson of your choice! Are you trying to reach multiple classes in your grade level or school? Additional same day presentations help reach more classes, book today!

Each classroom presentation is designed for one or two classroom-sized groups and for a maximum of 50 students. If you are looking for a program to fit a larger audience, check out our assembly programs.

*Travel/Fuel charge added based on mileage from the Abilene Zoo. All Abilene ISD & Wylie ISD presentations will not be charged for mileage. Talk with our Education Team to receive mileage estimate.

Assemblies featuring Animal Ambassadors

Cost: First presentation $250/ additional same-day presentations $100

When the zoo arrives it is sure to be a wild time! Our assembly programs are designed to be held in your large meeting place whether that is a cafeteria, gymnasium, or lecture hall. These presentations are sure to be fun and educational as our animal ambassadors will be there to add their own special touch. Our Ambassadors will introduce you to a variety of animals with a touching opportunity provided! Each program lasts approximately 30 minutes and is designed for a large audience of over 50 people; if your group isn’t quite that large our classroom program may be the best fit for your group.

*Travel/Fuel charge added based on mileage from the Abilene Zoo. All Abilene ISD & Wylie ISD presentations will not be charged for mileage. Talk with our Education Team to receive mileage estimate.

 

Events

Cost: First hour $200/ each additional hour $100 (maximum of 8 hours)

Looking to add something special to your festival, fair, or event? There is no better way to make a splash than having the zoo arrive with some of our animal ambassadors. We will set up a variety of animals that can be seen as your visitors wander by. Our Animal Ambassador team will be there to engage your guests in conversation, answer plenty of questions, and even bring out animals for up-close guest interaction!

Since this program does involve live animals there are many different factors that we consider to make sure that it is a safe environment for the animals. Contact our Animal Ambassador team today to discuss your event.

*Travel/Fuel charge added based on mileage from the Abilene Zoo. All Abilene ISD & Wylie ISD presentations will not be charged for mileage. Talk with our Education Team to receive mileage estimate.
Outreach Request Form

Save the Animals

The Abilene Zoo is committed to ensuring that endangered species have a future in the wild.

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Plan Your Visit

With more animals than anywhere else in West Texas, you're in for a WILD day at the Abilene Zoo

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