Fresno Chaffee Zoo has many different educational programs to choose from. If you don't see something that fits your needs, we can customize an educational experience for you. Please call 559-498-5920 for more information or to register. Advanced registration for all programs is required.

Zoo School
$100 per day plus Zoo admission
Move your entire class to the Zoo! Teachers can rent classrooms on site for one to five days. Teachers have access to the Zoo and all the educational resources available throughout the week. Some programs require additional fees.

Zoo Lab Programs

Fresno Chaffee Zoo offers pre-planned curriculums and tailored onsite labs for grades 1-8. For more information or to schedule a lab program, please contact our Education Specialists at 559-470-6880.

Junior University
$1100 for four days
Junior University provides a four-day math/science intensive learning experience using the resources of the Zoo. Topics include: Habitats, Careers in Conservation, Energy Through the Ecosystems and Biodiversity. 3rd through 8th grades.

Habitats Lab
Zoo admission plus $3 per child
A ninety minute multi-media Habitats Discovery Lab at the Zoo includes hands-on activities, computers, and biological artifacts. Special focus on animal adaptations that allow survival in diverse habitats from the deserts to the Polar Regions. Tailored to California Life Science standards for 1st and 3rd grades. Maximum 50 students per program and two programs per school per day (100 students total).

Life Cycles Lab
Zoo admission plus $3 per student
Learn about egg layers, live young and amphibian life cycles with live animal guests, biological artifacts and special computer explorations. A ninety minute multi-media program at the Zoo recommended as a compliment to 2nd grade California Life Science standards. 1st through 3rd grade, maximum 50 students per program and two programs per school per day (100 students total).

Ecosystems Lab
Zoo admission plus $3 per student
Explore a complete ecosystem in ninety minutes! Examine energy transfer from a non-living base (soil and climate) to producers and consumers. Discover and the role of herbivores, carnivores, omnivores and decomposers in a food web. Live animal guests and biological artifacts bring the experience to life! Fourth and fifth grade, maximum 30 students per program and three programs per day (90 students total).

Structure & Function Lab
Zoo admission plus $3 per student
This dynamic program reviews the form and function of various animal skulls, hides, and other biological artifacts linking the structure of each component to its role in animal survival. Students examine diets, habitats and biological specializations of many species of mammals and birds. A ninety minute hands-on lab using math and logic skills. 6th through 8th grade, maximum 30 students per program and three programs per school per day (90 students total).

Zoo Talks at the Zoo
$55 per class
Enjoy a lively encounter at the Zoo with our renowned staff biologist, Burleigh "The Bat Lady" Lockwood. Burleigh is famous for her presentations on ANY natural history topic!

Docent-Led Tours
Zoo Admission plus $1 per person (minimum $30)
Bring your class to the Zoo for a guided tour by one of our Zoolynx docents. Pick a general tour or a tour with focus on special animals, habitats or adaptations. (Tours booked after December 31, 2009 will be subject to the new tour fees: $1 per student and adult participating in the Docent-led Zoo tour, with a minimum $30 fee.)

Rain Forest Tours
Zoo Admission plus $2 per child
This is a very special Zoo tour with learning stations and taste treats from the Rain Forest. 2nd grade and up.

A Primary Peek-a-Boo Zoo Preview
Zoo Admission plus $1.50 per child
Bring the kids for a special hands-on activity and talk about mammals, birds, reptiles and zoos. Afterwards, take your class into the Zoo. Pre-school through first grade (also a great activity for special ed and vision impaired).

Scout Badges
Girl and Boy Scout troops can earn badges while participating in a fun and educational experience designed especially for Scout troops.
For more information click here

Backstage at the Zoo
Members: $12 Adult, $8 Child; Non-members: $14 Adult, $10 Child
This unique tour gives groups a chance to meet Zoo keepers and get special glimpses into the Zoo animals' world in this behind-the-scenes opportunity.
For more information click here

Twilight Safari
Members: $14 Adult, $10 Child; Non-members: $16 Adult, $12 Child
Enjoy an exclusive walk through the Zoo after hours with Zoo biologist Burleigh "The Bat Lady" Lockwood.
For more information click here

Overnight Safari
Families - Members: $100 for a family of 4, $30 each additional person;
Non-members: $120 for a family of 4, $35 each additional person
Groups/Scouts - $30 per person (minimum 15 people)
Bring the entire family to the Zoo to sleep under the stars while enjoying animal sounds. This program is also great for Scout troops.
For more information click here