Happy, Healthy Zoo
2nd-3rd Grade
Camp Description
Animals at the Zoo have fun in many ways! We take play seriously, and need your camper to help create new forms of engagement for animals and humans alike!
December 30th: Day 1 Overview
**Schedule Subject to Change. Ask your camper the questions below to learn about their day!
Question of the Day
Can you design a method to get an orangutan to take its medicine?
Zoo Exploration
Primate Panorama. What did we see in the orangutan exhibit that is fun for them? Did we see anything that would keep them healthy?
Engineering Challenge
Campers design a way to give an animal its medicine. What did we come up with? Why is this a great way to make sure an animal took its medicine?
Animal Experience
What animal(s) did we meet in our classroom? How did this animal help us solve the Question of the Day?
Further Exploration
What areas of the zoo did we explore in the afternoon? How did this help us better understand/apply the Question of the Day?
Taking It Home
What did we learn about animal needs? How can we apply what we’ve learned to care for animals at home or school?
December 31st: Day 2 Overview
**Schedule Subject to Change. Ask your camper the questions below to learn about their day!
Question of the Day
AM: How does Denver Zoo help giraffes when they are injured? PM: Which other animals would this same type of care work with?
Zoo Exploration
Giraffes, and other Hoofstock (Zebras, Okapi, Camels, etc.). What did we see? What did we learn about taking care of these animals?
Engineering Challenge
Campers design methods to give a giraffe a heart exam, ear exam, and leg cast. What did we build? Why is this the best way to help a giraffe? How is this similar to what Denver Zoo uses?
Animal Experience
What animal(s) did we meet in our classroom? Why might it be challenging to care for this animal if injured?
Further Exploration
What areas of the zoo did we explore in the afternoon? How did this help us better understand/apply the Question of the Day?
Taking It Home
What can you teach your friends and family about challenges in animal care? How could you apply what you’ve learned to injured pets at home?
January 2nd: Day 3 Overview
**Schedule Subject to Change. Ask your camper the questions below to learn about their day!
Question of the Day
AM: How can vets (and you) tell if a fish isn’t feeling well? PM: What can you do to help a sick fish?
Zoo Exploration
Tropical Discovery. What did we see? What clues did we find that help us identify a fish that isn’t feeling well? Do all fish exhibit the same signs?
Animal Experience
What animal(s) did we meet in our classroom? How was each animal we met different? How do vets/keepers know if these animals are sick?
Engineering Challenge
Campers determine the best way to take “scans” of the fish (like an x-ray). What worked best? What was hardest about it?
Further Exploration
What areas of the zoo did we explore in the afternoon? Which animals are the easiest to “scan”? How did we practice being a vet – what was challenging?
Taking It Home
How can we tell if a pet at home isn’t feeling well? How could we apply what we learned about animal care to pets at home?
January 3rd: Day 4 Overview
**Schedule Subject to Change. Ask your camper the questions below to learn about their day!
Question of the Day
Can you create an enclosure that can grow with an animal?
Zoo Exploration
The Edge, tapir yard. How are the yards designed for use by younger and older animals?
Animal Experience
What animal(s) did we meet in our classroom? What are their enclosures like?
Engineering Challenge
Campers build an enclosure to grow with an animal. How is the enclosure going to be different for each animal? What animal did we choose and what adjustments did we make?
Further Exploration
What areas of the zoo did we explore in the afternoon? How did this help us better understand/apply the Question of the Day?
Taking It Home
Why is it important animals have enclosures that grow with them? How has your home or bedroom changed as you’ve grown up?
Reminders
- Please review IMPORTANT INFORMATION, as well as our Policies and Procedures, to ensure you and your child are ready for camp.
- Campers must bring a lunch, water bottle, and dress for the weather (plus lots of walking!). As most animal exhibits are outside, we WILL go outside every day.
- A photo ID is required every day at pick up. Please notify the staff ahead of time if someone who is not on the authorized pick-up list will be picking up your child.
- To contact us during the day, add authorized pick-ups, or to arrange a late arrival/early pick-up, call the Guest Care Center at 720-337-1400.
Contact Us
If your camper liked Summer Safari, they will LOVE Fall, Winter, and Spring Safari Mini-Camps! When school is out, Safari Camp is in! These camps run from November through March. There’s a Safari for every season!