Education

The Bramble Park Zoo is a living classroom and we invite you to come learn with us! Special tours for parties of 10 or more can be booked for your group or class. Email the zoo educator via our contact us page or call the zoo at (605) 882-6269 to schedule a tour.
Teachers: To obtain a list of fees click here!

The Zoo can also come to you! Many of these programs are available as Outreach Programs. Click here for more information.

Animal Encounter – All Ages

A hands-on approach to animal discovery. Learn about some of the smaller, yet important, animals in this interactive question and answer session.

Duration: 20 to 30 minutes

Zoo Detectives Preschool to Grade 1

Use scientific thinking to compare plants to animals, reptiles to mammals, living to non-living. Come explore the big and small of it all.

Duration: 45 minutes

Animal Wrappers – Preschool to Grade 4

Why do some animals have scales, while others have feathers or fur? Understand the structure and function of different animal coverings. Classify animals according to physical characteristics.

Duration: 50 minutes

Amazing Adaptations and Dazzling Defenses – Grades 2 to 4

Identify behavioral and physical characteristics of animals, which help them survive in their habitat. Observe these adaptations at work.

Duration: 50 minutes

Rare Animals – Grades 3 to 8

Observe endangered animals up-close at the zoo. See what Bramble Park Zoo is doing to help these rare animals. This tour focuses on the positive side of care, breeding and reintroduction of endangered species.

Duration: 50 minutes

King Phillip Came Over For Ginger Snaps – Grades 5 to 7

Explore the world of animal classification. Try your hand at classifying the animals at the zoo.

Duration: 50 minutes

Zoo Business – Grades 7 to 12

See firsthand how keepers and zoo staff use science and observation to accomplish daily tasks. Learn about various career opportunities zoos have to offer.

Duration: 50 minutes

Habitats – Grades 4 to 12

Learn the habitats of animals from around the globe by studying realistic dioramas in the Discovery Center.

Duration: 50 minutes

Nutrition – Grades 4 to 12

Visit our kitchen to see the similarities and differences in human diets and animal diets.

Duration: 50 minutes

Nocturnal Animals – Grades 1 to 6

Learn who creeps at night and sleeps during the day. You may be surprised at some of their unique habits.

Duration: 50 minutes

Around the World in 50 Minutes – Grades 9 to 12

Visit mounted and live animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, and North and South America. Can you think of a better way to practice your knowledge of world geography than by seeing animals that come from these unique areas?

Duration: 50 minutes

Scavenger Hunt – All Ages

Learn about the zoo animals while on a scavenger hunt. Find answers to many baffling questions on signs and displays within the zoo.

Zoo to You – Special Programs – All Ages

Let us customize your visit so you can enjoy whatever programs you wish. We will build activities to suit your needs.

Job Shadowing – Grades 9 to 12

A great opportunity for high school students to learn about careers at the Bramble Park Zoo. Follow a zookeeper to learn what kind of dedication and skills are required.