Virtual Classes and Tours

Can’t make it to the Zoo? Whether you are learning from home or in a classroom, connect to the zoo and learn about wildlife through these interactive and engaging virtual classes and tours. These programs align with state science standards and explore topics such as tropical rainforests, Minnesota animals, enrichment, adaptations, and ocean conservation.

All virtual tours and programs take place on the Zoom platform. Each program is approximately 30-45 minutes long and can accommodate up to 25 people.
Fees: $100/tour or class.

Virtual Classes and Virtual Tours are offered during the school-year September 24, 2024 through May 9, 2025 at 9:00 am, 10:00 am, and 11:00 am Monday through Friday.

To register, fill out the request form below. Custom programs are available for an additional fee. If you have any further questions, please email [email protected].

Virtual Tours and Programs (30 minutes in duration)

Choose from the following themes:

Ocean Tour featuring Discovery Bay (grades K-12)

Coral reefs harbor the greatest diversity of life in the ocean. In this program, we’ll navigate these underwater “cities” and explore the variety of life under the sea in Discovery Bay. View our shark reef, tidal pools, sea horses, and more! This tour is designed to highlight the importance of marine ecosystems and what we can all do to protect them.

Tropics Tour featuring the Tropics Trail (grades K-12)

From the forest floor to the canopy and beyond, many unique and interesting plants can be found here and nowhere else. Although usually well-camouflaged, we’ll also uncover some of the amazing animals that call these plants home. Come with us on a tour of a section of our Tropics trail and meet some of its amazing inhabitants!

Penguin Tour featuring the 3M Penguins of the African Coast (grades K-12) - offered June-August only

It is time to meet the penguins—virtually! During this 30-minute experience, you will visit our South African penguin exhibit and see what makes these birds so amazing. Learn more about how penguins are able to "fly" underwater, stay warm in cooler waters, and much more!

Ask a Naturalist Virtual Program (grades K-5)

Designed to support Wetland Conservation Workshop teachers, this 30-minute live interaction with a naturalist will help students learn more about the local wetland they are exploring and meet a wetland animal! Students will also have the opportunity to ask the naturalist questions about responsible wetland interactions, threats facing wetlands, and the Zoo’s conservation efforts to save freshwater turtles and mussels in Minnesota!

Virtual Classes (45 minutes in duration)

Choose from the following themes:

Penguin Palooza (grades K-2)

What makes a penguin so amazing? Learn more about how penguins survive in the wild using their unique adaptations and find out how we care for our penguins at the Zoo. This virtual program takes place on a Zoo trail.

Minnesota Animal Adventure (grades K-2)

Our state is home to some amazing and unique wildlife. Join us as we take a closer look at our local ecosystems and how animals work together to thrive in their habitats. You may even get up close and personal with a native species! This virtual program takes place on a Zoo trail. During your virtual class, here is an activity page for your students to complete.

Animal Enrichment (grades 3-5)

Join us to learn how animal observation data is collected and used to plan and assess successful enrichment that encourages animals’ natural behaviors. This virtual program takes place in a classroom. During your virtual class, here is an activity page for your students to complete.

Wild Superpowers (grades 3-5)

Discover the hidden superpowers of wild animals through this Jeopardy-style game. Meet an animal ambassador and explore its unique adaptations to survive in its environment. This virtual program takes place in a classroom.

Advanced Animal Enrichment (grades 6-12)

Go deeper into the science behind helping wildlife thrive in human care. Let’s learn how animal observation data is collected and used to plan and evaluate successful enrichment that encourages animals’ natural behaviors. This virtual program takes place in a classroom. During your virtual class, here is an activity page for your students to complete.

Conservation Connections (grades 6-12)

With approximately 15,000 animal species threatened with extinction, zoos and other conservation organizations have a big job to conserve and protect animals for generations to come. Explore how wildlife biologists collect data and ways to apply that data to real-life situations. Let’s learn how changes based on scientific research will help animals survive and thrive in the wild. This virtual program takes place in a classroom.

Registration

To register, fill out the request form below. If you have any further questions, please email [email protected].

Virtual tours/classes must be booked a minimum of two weeks in advance. Please note, as part of our new ticketing procedures, we are now asking for payment to be made by credit card or single check in advance of your virtual class or tour.





School/Organization Name*
Grades/Ages*
Number of students/children*
Number of adults*
Number of adult devices logging in to the Zoom*
Number of student/children devices logging in to the Zoom*
Your First Name*
Your Last Name*
Email*
Phone Number*
School/Organization Street Address, City, State, Zip*
County*
School District Number (n/a if not applicable)*
Select three dates/times you would like to do your virtual tour/class, with your preferred date/time as number one.

Date and Time 1*
Date and Time 2*
Date and Time 3
How will you be paying?
Payment is due two weeks in advance of virtual tour/class. We strongly encourage paying by credit card, but can also accept a single check if that is the only method that your school/organization is able to provide.
Credit CardCheck

Which virtual tour/class are you registering for?
Virtual Tours/Classes are $100 for up to 25 people. If you have more than 25 people we would schedule a 2nd tour/class for you at a different time.

Is there anything else you would like us to know about your group? What goals do you have with this virtual program? Are there any specific accommodations or support you need (examples: Closed Captioning or an ASL interpreter can be provided upon request)?
Any Questions?

You will receive an email within 10 days confirming your reservation. Note, your date has not been confirmed until you receive a confirmation. If you requested a program the scheduler will contact you to arrange program times. If you have questions email [email protected].

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