Detroit Zoo Community Outreach
Bring the Zoo to You!
Let the wonders of wildlife roll into your classroom with our mobile learning program!
Detroit Zoo educators deliver engaging, hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity, spark conservation action, and connect students to animals and nature — no field trip required.
Through interactive activities and real-world scientific exploration, your students will take on the perspectives of field ecologists and the animals they protect, raising awareness about endangered species. This immersive experience fosters a deeper connection to local wildlife while empowering young learners to make a difference.
Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your classroom into a wild adventure!
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Overview
Key Concepts:
- Wildlife protection
- All animals need food, air, water and space to grow
- Biodiversity
- Habitat preservation
Grades:
- Preschool
- Kindergarten-Second
- Third-Fifth
- Sixth-Eighth
Duration:
45- to 60-minute learning lab experience
Skills:
- Using scientific tools to collect field data
- Cause and Effect
- Compare and Contrast
- Analyzing data
- Making observations and drawing conclusions
Immersive Experiences
Bring the Detroit Zoo to your classroom with this hands-on, mobile learning experience where students explore real-world conservation issues, and connect with local wildlife—no field trip needed.
Detroit Zoo Community Connect – Piping Plover Protection
Piping plovers are vulnerable shorebirds facing significant threats to their survival from human activity and habitat loss. Learn how ecologists protect these birds through efforts like captive rearing, bird banding, and securing nesting sites.
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Detroit Zoo Community Connect – Mudpuppy Mission
Mudpuppies are elusive freshwater salamanders found in the Detroit River and are key indicators of water quality. Learn how scientists use mudpuppy data from various metro Detroit sites to monitor ecosystem health and protect these important amphibians.
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Detroit Zoo Community Connect – Massasauga Rattlesnakes
Step into the role of a reptile conservationist by surveying for Michigan’s only venomous snake, the Massasauga rattlesnake. Learn about its habitat, practice field techniques, and analyze data to understand how scientists study and protect this unique species.
Learn MoreWildlife Protectors Programs
The Wildlife Protectors Program raises awareness about wildlife trafficking by focusing on animals who call the Detroit Zoo home, like Nikolai the Amur tiger and Tuki the blue and yellow macaw. The program fosters empathy for individual animals and empowers action for the global population.
Young learners explore why wild animals thrive in their natural habitats but not as pets. Older participants examine human-wildlife conflicts, like poaching, and their effects on local communities. Guests of all ages learn about conservation efforts and how they can contribute.
Wildlife Protectors – Where They Live
This lesson teaches about different places animals can be found and how their needs are met there — some can live in your home , others you might see outside your window, and many live far away.
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Wildlife Protectors – Tigers in the Wild
This lesson offers students an engaging and immersive exploration of the challenges tigers face due to illegal wildlife trafficking and habitat destruction.
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Wildlife Protectors – Amazing Macaws
This lesson invites students to actively explore the amazing adaptations of Maya the macaw while learning about her journey from living in a cage to a safe, rainforest-like home
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Please note:
We do not bring animals off the Zoo’s grounds. Lessons provide students with an opportunity to familiarize themselves with science skills and tools.
Detroit Zoo Community Connect lessons are designed for outdoor learning but can be easily adapted for indoor classroom settings.
Wildlife Protector lessons will require an indoor space.
Accessibility:
This program includes:
- Moving and standing for up to 60 minutes
- Sitting on the floor for opening and closing discussion
- Exploring tools and biofacts
The Detroit Zoo is committed to serving all guests! If you have an accommodation request related to a disability or other need related to your experience, please contact us at [email protected]. We look forward to supporting you.