Because You Live Here!

ZooMobile Program

Looking for info about Virtual ZooMobile Programs?

EARTH Ltd and Southwick’s Zoo are now offering virtual presentations! Click here to learn more.

What is the ZooMobile Program?

This exciting educational outreach program involves an EARTH Limited educator and some of our animal ambassadors traveling to a school, library, or other facility to perform a presentation. Presentations range from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, and cover a range of topics about animal ecology, behavior, and conservation. See “Presentation Descriptions & Pricing” below for more information!

All of our ZooMobile programs are designed to meet current state core science standards in Massachusetts, and Rhode Island as well as the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

What animals may be seen during a ZooMobile?

The particular animals that we will bring are not decided upon until the morning of the presentation in order to account for any changes that may occur in the behavioral or health status of an animal. If you have a particular animal request, we will try our best to fulfill it, but of course the safety and health of our animals must be our top priority.

Click here to view the list of animals we care for. Those that may be included in a ZooMobile presentation will be marked with a van icon .

Depending upon the size and demeanor of the class, we sometimes allow a few of our animals to be touched at the end of the presentation. However, please be aware that most of the time our staff/presenters are the only ones that get to directly interact with the animals.

ZooMobile Guidelines

Selecting Your Date & Time

  • ZooMobiles must be booked at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • ZooMobiles must be scheduled between regular school hours, Monday-Friday from 9am to 3pm. We can sometimes accommodate other times; please submit a ZooMobile Inquiry and indicate in the notes field that you are looking to book a program on a Sunday or evening. Please be aware the programs booked on Sundays will include a $100 fee.
  • We do not want to interfere with your students’ usual routines, so please try to schedule the presentation at a time that does not conflict with loading/unloading of buses and/or moving between classes.
  • The maximum number of presentations we can do in one day are: 2 back-to-back 60 minute presentations OR 2 back-to-back 45 minute presentations OR 3 back-to-back 30 minute presentations.

Location Requirements

  • Please note that we do not book birthday parties or events at private residences due to concerns regarding space and safety for our animals, particularly regarding outdoor areas and loud noises.
  • We prefer to present our ZooMobile program indoors. Outdoor spaces will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that outdoor programs have a very limited animal selection.
  • Our animals can get stressed or scared by very loud noises, so we suggest you arrange to use a room that is conducive to a quiet atmosphere, such as a classroom, library, activity room, or small auditorium.
  • We ask that you notify us if the room in which we will be presenting does not have heat during the winter or air conditioning during the summer, so that we can plan on bringing animals that are not temperature-sensitive.
  • Once we are situated, we cannot move from one room to another; this is especially important to keep in mind if you are scheduling multiple presentations on the same day.
  • It will take us about 30 minutes to set-up before the presentation, and up to 30 minutes to clean up afterwards, so please allow for this extra time when reserving a room.

Presentation Descriptions and Pricing

The ideal number of people is listed under the descriptions, but it can be more depending on the circumstances. The number of students that can see a performance is really only limited by the amount of space we are presenting in; there should be room for all the children to sit comfortably while giving us a little bit of a “buffer” space between them and the animals. Smaller groups are more ideal so that everyone has a good view, but we have given presentations for up to 500 people before. Please note that there is a $100 fee for assemblies greater than 150 people.

Click the program titles below to expand for more information.

Introduction to Animal Ecology (All Ages)
  • 60 minutes, 7-8 animals, classroom or assembly*
  • $525 for one presentation ($275 additional presentation on same day)

Our most popular program! This program includes an animal handler and a presenter who will provide a general introduction to the subject of animal ecology. We will explore topics such as traits used to classify different animals into groups like birds, reptiles, and mammals; types of interactions between animal groups; how animals interact with their environment; and much more.

Aligns with MA STE standards for PreK to High School (LS1, LS2, LS3, LS4, ESS2, ESS3); RI Grade Span Expectations in Science, Life Science Domain K-12; and Next Generation Science Standards K-HS (LS1, LS2, LS3, LS4, ESS2, ESS3).

Comforting Critters (All Ages)
  • 45 minutes, 4-5 animals, up to 50 people
  • $400 for one presentation ($200 additional presentation on same day)

This program is designed for people, such as those in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, whose needs exceed the traditional educational format. It offers individual encounters with specially selected animals that can be viewed up close and touched. This program is sensory friendly and well suited for groups with special needs.

Toddler Tails (1.5 – 2 yrs)
  • 30 minutes, 1-2 animals, up to 25 people
  • $300 for one presentation ($150 additional presentation on same day)

Join us for a story time adventure! This program is the perfect way to introduce toddlers and young preschoolers to the wonderful world of wildlife and nature. Following the reading of a short story, children will get the chance to visit with one of our education animal ambassadors. Contact us for specific animal/story options.

We Like to Move It, Move It (PreK-K)
  • 20-30 minutes, 3-4 animals, up to 25 people
  • $300 for one presentation ($150 additional presentation on same day)

Which animals can fly? Which animals can swim? How do animals without legs get around? Why do animals need to move? From crawling bugs to slithering snakes to hopping kangaroos, this program explores the various modes of animal locomotion whether on land, in the water, or in the air. We also discuss reasons why animals would need to move from one location to another.

Aligns with MA STE standards PreK-LS1-1, PreK-LS2-1, PreK-LS2-2, K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, 1-LS1-1; RI Grade Span Expectations (K-2) in Science LS1-1, LS1-4, LS4-8; and Next Generation Science Standards K-LS1-1 (LS1.A, LS1.C), K-ESS2-2 (ESS2.E), K-ESS3-1 (ESS3.A).

Super Senses (PreK-K)
  • 20-30 minutes, 3-4 animals, up to 25 people
  • $300 for one presentation ($150 additional presentation on same day)

Which animal smells with its tongue? Which animal tastes with its feet? Which animal hears with its legs? This program explores the five senses (sight, hearing, taste, touch, smell) and their importance for survival. We also highlight animals that sense their environments in extraordinary ways that are much different from how people typically sense the world around them.

Aligns with MA STE standards PreK-LS1-1, PreK-LS1-2, PreK-LS1-3, PreK-LS2-1, PreK-LS2-2, K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, 1-LS1-1; RI Grade Span Expectations (K-2) in Science LS1-1, LS1-2, LS1-4, LS4-8; and Next Generation Science Standards K-LS1-1 (LS1.A, LS1.C), K-ESS2-2 (ESS2.E), K-ESS3-1 (ESS3.A).

Spineless (Grades 1-2)
  • 45 minutes, 4-5 animals, up to 40 people
  • $400 for one presentation ($200 additional presentation on same day)

What exactly are “bugs”? How do animals without backbones move? How many kinds of invertebrates exist? This program explores the characteristics that classify an animal as an invertebrate (as compared to a vertebrate) and delves into the diversity of this unique group of animals by highlighting various species and their traits.

Aligns with MA STE standards 1-LS1-1, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS2-3, 2-LS4-1; RI Grade Span Expectations (K-2) in Science LS1-1, LS1-2, LS1-4; and Next Generation Science Standards 1-LS1-1 (LS1.A, LS1.D), 1-LS3-1 (LS3.A, LS3.B), 2-LS4-1 (LS4.D).

Responsible Pet Care (Grades 1-2)
  • 45 minutes, 4-5 animals, up to 40 people
  • $400 for one presentation ($200 additional presentation on same day)

Did you know that over 7 million animals enter shelters across the US each year, and that many of these animals are abandoned pets? Having a pet can be an extremely fun and rewarding experience, but it also requires commitment and responsibility. During this program we will discuss various types of pets and how to properly respect and care for them.

Aligns with MA STE standards 1-LS1-1, 1-LS3-1, 2-LS2-3, 2-LS4-1; RI Grade Span Expectations (K-2) in Science LS1-1, LS1-2, LS2-5; and Next Generation Science Standards 1-LS1-1 (LS1.A), 1-LS3-1 (LS3.A, LS3.B), 2-LS4-1 (LS4.D).

Endangered Species (Grades 3 and up)
  • 60 minutes, 5-6 animals, classroom or assembly*
  • $525 for one presentation ($275 additional presentation on same day)

Scientists estimate that we are now losing species at 1,000 to 10,000 times the natural rate of extinction. Using live animal ambassadors and biofacts, this program explores reasons why so many plant and animal species are now endangered or extinct. We will also discuss possible ways to help slow the loss of biodiversity and how you can be a part of the solution.

Aligns with MA STE standards for PreK to High School (LS1, LS2, LS3, LS4, ESS2, ESS3); RI Grade Span Expectations in Science, Life Science Domain K-12; and Next Generation Science Standards K-HS (LS1, LS2, LS3, LS4, ESS2, ESS3).

Remarkable Reptiles (Grades 3-5)
  • 45 minutes, 4-5 animals, up to 40 people
  • $400 for one presentation ($200 additional presentation on same day)

Scales, scutes, and shells, oh my! This program explores the traits that classify animals as reptiles and discusses characteristics of various types of reptiles. Learn whether or not reptiles are slimy, how snakes smell with their tongues, how long tortoises can live, and much more about these fascinating creatures!

Aligns with MA STE standards 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1; RI Grade Span Expectations (3-4, 5-6) in Science LS1-1, LS1-2, LS1-4, LS3-8; and Next Generation Science Standards 3-LS1-1 (LS1.B), 3-LS2-1 (LS2.D), 3-LS3-1 (LS3.A, LS3.B), 3-LS4-2 (LS4.B), 3-LS4-3 (LS4.C, LS4.D), 4-LS1-1 (LS1.A, LS1.D).

Amazing Adaptations (Grades 3-5)
  • 60 minutes, 6-8 animals, classroom or assembly
  • $525 for one presentation ($275 additional presentation on same day)

How do animals survive in the extreme heat or cold? How do animals avoid being eaten? What do pangolins, hedgehogs, and three-banded armadillos all have in common? Learn the answers to these questions and more during this program that is all about adaptations. We discuss how these specialized behavioral, physiological, and physical traits allow animals to survive in their environments.

Aligns with MA STE standards 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-2, 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1; RI Grade Span Expectations (3-4, 5-6) in Science LS1-1, LS1-2, LS1-4, LS3-7, LS3-8; and Next Generation Science Standards 3-LS1-1 (LS1.B), 3-LS2-1 (LS2.D), 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2 (LS3.A, LS3.B), 3-LS4-2 (LS4.B), 3-LS4-3 (LS4.C, LS4.D), 4-LS1-1 (LS1.A, LS1.D).

It’s a Jungle Out There (Grades 6-8)
  • 45 minutes, 6-8 animals, up to 100 people
  • $400 for one presentation ($200 additional presentation on same day)

Did you know that rainforests contain over half of the world’s plant and animal species, but only cover less than four percent of the Earth’s surface? Or that one-fifth of the world’s fresh water is found in the Amazon basin? This program explores the elements of the rainforest ecosystem and discusses the importance of rainforest conservation.

Aligns with MA STE standards 7.MS-LS1-4, 7.MS-LS2-1, 7.MS-LS2-2, 7.MS-LS2-4, 7.MS-LS2-5, 7.MS-LS2-6, 7.MS-ESS3-4, 8.MS-ESS3-5; RI Grade Span Expectations (5-8) in Science LS1-1, LS1-2, LS2-5, LS3-8; and Next Generation Science Standards MS-LS1-4 (LS1.B), MS-LS2-1 (LS2.A), MS-LS2-4 (LS2.C), MS-LS2-5 (LS4.D), MS-ESS3-3, MS-ESS3-4 (ESS3.C).

Build Your Own Program
Interested in a topic that is not listed above (e.g., composting, pollination, life cycles, conservation)? Or, interested in one of our programs, but for a different grade? No problem! We can customize our presentations to fit your particular needs. We can also easily adjust any of our existing programs to fit a specific grade or age level. Just contact us for more details and pricing.

+Travel Fees

  • 0-30 minutes away from Southwick’s Zoo – no fee
  • 31-45 minutes away from the zoo – $25
  • 46-60 minutes from zoo – $50
  • 61-90 minutes from zoo – $75

 

Break Time Fees

* Maximum of 90 minute break between presentations if booking two for a single day.

  • Less than 30 minutes between presentations – no fee
  • 31-60 minutes between presentations – $50
  • 60-90 minutes between presentations – $100
Click Here to Submit a ZooMobile Inquiry

Submitted an inquiry but still have questions? Email emma@southwickszoo.com.

The  ZooMobile program is an exceptional educational experience where students and teachers get an up close and personal look at the many different animals brought on these trips. The staff of the Southwick’s Zoo do a phenomenal job at showcasing and explaining the unique animals and their unique adaptations. These learning opportunities are fine tuned to be age appropriate and to align with and reinforce our science curriculum. I would highly recommend a visit from the ZooMobile.
Peter Blasi

Middle School Science Teacher

The ZooMobile was a terrific addition to our library programming. It was an amazing experience for the children and their families to be sitting in their local library and be able touch the kangaroo, python, and other various animals. Tim and the Earth staff members were engaging, informative, and fun. A visit from the ZooMobile is something that you will not forget.
Lisa Cheever

Former Director of the Millville Free Public Library

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Located at Southwick’s Zoo

2 Southwick’s Street

Mendon, MA 01756

1-800-258-9182

 

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