Zoology Fun

I've been teaching a series of zoology classes at the zoo for the kids in our group. We are studying 3-4 animals each week inside the zoo. The kids get an animal reports sheet to complete (simpler for the younger age group, more in depth for the older). We talk about Physical Characteristics, habitat, Predator/Prey, Food source (omnivore, carnivore or herbivore), adaptations, reproduction, social structure and defenses and location/geography. Each week I also pick a subject to study further and something for the kids to take home--the first week we studied predator/prey in depth (Lion, African Wild Dog, Ostrich and Grevy's Zebra), the second week we talked about Adaptations (Giraffe, Polar Bear, Arctic Fox) and this week we studied Symbiosis (Mutualism, Commensalism, Parastism) and the Capybara, Howler Monkey, Seahorse and the Clownfish.

My DH starts work mid-day and works into the evening, so he's able to do these classes with us in the morning. Today he remarked that people seem to get irritated that we're "in the way" while I teach.

This got me pondering: Has the zoo become just a place to "see" animals? Like a movie? When I was little, I remember my mom & dad reading to me from the signs about their geography, habitat and other fun facts. I don't see that often anymore.

Today, in fact, I was teaching the kids about the capybara. I told them how it's the world's largest rodent. Another dad picked up on that and instead of finding out it's name answered his son, "it's the world's largest rodent, or something like that."

Of course, this could be a completely isolated incident. But my experiences at the zoo--mid-week in the summer--have left me with the impression that the zoo these days is not so much a learning place as it is a touring place.

I hope these summer lessons will get the kids to think about the animals themselves, their habitat and their lives and not just what ice cream is offered at the next stand.