Scovill Zoo’s education programs offer opportunities for animal lovers of all ages to discover the animal kingdom. With zoo classes, guided tours, and a fantastic Mobile Zoo, Scovill Zoo provides fun, hands-on connections to the animal world.
Registration: Click here to register online, visit Scovill Zoo, or call the zoo at 421-7435.
Zoo Tours
Experience the zoo up close and personal with tours for students in grades 1 – 12! Schools and organizations will enjoy a personalized tour, with a narrated explanation of exhibits and their residents. Meal deals, grab bags, goat food, and sno-cones are also available. Please call two weeks in advance to schedule: 421-7435.
Zoo Buddies
Can you waddle like a penguin, howl like a wolf, or run like a cheetah? An exciting animal adventure awaits 3 – 5 year-olds and their adult guests! Through the use of short stories and hands-on activities, we will make connections with some amazing creatures. Participants will get to take home their very own Zoo Buddy plush animal after class.
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $16 ($13 with resident discount)
| Code | Subject | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 156514-E1 | The Mon-Keys to Success | May 14 | 10 - 11 a.m. |
| 156514-E2 | The Mon-Keys to Success | May 14 | 2 - 3 p.m. |
| 156514-F1 | Meerkat Clamor | June 11 | 10 - 11 a.m. |
| 156514-F2 | Meerkat Clamor | June 11 | 2 - 3 p.m. |
| 156514-G1 | Tremendous Turtles | July 9 | 10 - 11 a.m. |
| 156514-G2 | Tremendous Turtles | July 9 | 2 - 3 p.m. |
| 156514-H1 | Zee Best Zebras | August 13 | 10 - 11 a.m. |
| 156514-H2 | Zee Best Zebras | August 13 | 2 - 3 p.m. |
Saturday Zoo Buzz (NEW!)
Adults are invited to the zoo on the first Saturday of each month at 9 a.m. for coffee, snacks, and presentations by zoo professionals from around Illinois. These adult-focused sessions will feature local, national, and global conservation topics. Please preregister at 217/421-7435.
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $5
| Code | Date | Topic |
|---|---|---|
| 146520-09 | May 4 | Pop Culture Nature |
| 146520-10 | June 1 | Exotic & Unusual Pets |
| 146520-11 | July 6 | Illinois Conservation Projects |
| 146520-12 | August 3 | Zoo Education Programming |
| 146520-13 | September 7 | Madagascar |
Zoo Crew
Life finds a way! Zoo crew will be finding out how plants and animals from all over the word have adapted and changed over time to be the best at what they do.
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $95 ($80 with resident discount)
| Code | Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 126534-21 | M - F | June 3 - 7 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| 126534-22 | M - F | June 10 - 14 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| 126534-23 | M - F | June 17 - 21 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| 126534-24 | M - F | June 24 - 28 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| 126534-25 | M - F | July 8 - 12 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
| 126534-26 | M - F | July 15 - 19 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
Zoo Teens I
Download the Zoo Teen Volunteer Application!
If you’re interested in a career involving animals, Zoo Teens I is a fun, educational way to learn more. Recommendation letter, volunteer hours, and a training day on May 25 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) are required. Applications are due by May 8.
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $70 ($55 with resident discount)
| Code | Age | Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 156550-T1 | 14 - 17 | M - Sun. | May 26 - Oct 14 | 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. |
Zoo Teens II
Download the Zoo Teen Volunteer Application!
Zoo Teens II offers hands-on expereince caring for animals and educating the public, while working as part of the animal care team. Completion of Zoo Teens I is strongly recommended. Recommendation letters, volunteer hours, and a training day on May 26 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) are required. Applications are due May 8.
Location: Zoo Education Center (Scovill Zoo, 71 S. Country Club Rd.)
Fee: $50 ($35 with resident discount)
| Code | Age | Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 156550-T2 | 14-17 | M - Sun. | May 26 - Oct 14 | 9 a.m. - 4:30 pm. |
Zoo Safari
Zoo Crew and Zoo Teens participants can join their favorite counselors on a Zoo Safari, traveling to other Central Illinois zoos and nature centers.
Fee: $16 ($13 with resident discount)
| Code | Age | Day | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 126535-01 | 11 - 17 | M - F | July 23 - 27 | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. |
