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 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 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 animals are chosen the morning of the presentation based on a variety of factors. 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.
  • 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: three 45 minute presentations OR four 30 minute presentations. There will need to be a 15 minute break between programs.

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.
  • 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 be stressed or scared by loud noises, so we ask that you arrange to use a room that is conducive to a quiet atmosphere, such as a classroom, library, activity room, or small auditorium.
  • You must 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. If we are not made aware of this prior to the day of the program, the number of animals seen during the presentation will be reduced.
  • 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 we can accommodate 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 better 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.

Auditorium Style

  • 45 minute program
  • 6-7 animals
  • 150 people
  • $600 for one ($400 each additional program); More than 150 people – add $100

Introduction to Animal Ecology

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, LS4, ESS2); RI Grade Span Expectations in Science, Life Science Domain K-12; and Next Generation Science Standards K-HS (LS1, LS2, LS3, LS4, ESS2, ESS3).

Toddler Program (18 months – 36 months)

  • 25 minute program
  • 2-3 animals
  • 20 participants
  • $300 for 1 presentation ($175 each additional)
A Colorful Tale

This program introduces young children to the wonderful, colorful world of animals and nature through story time at a whole new level. After reading a specially chosen book, children will visit with a few of our animal ambassadors.

PreK – K Programs

  • 30 minute program
  • 3-4 animals
  • 25 participants
  • $300 for 1 presentation ($175 each additional)

 

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

We Like to Move It, Move It

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).

Sense-ational

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).

Classroom (Grades 1-12)

  • 45 minute program
  • 4-5 animals
  • 25 participants
  • $375 for 1 presentation ($250 each additional)
  • These programs are designed to include 1 or 2 animals that participants can touch. This is dependent on the temperament of the animal and the demeanor of the class the day of the presentation. A touch opportunity is not guaranteed.
No Bones? No Problem! (Grades 1-2)

Our bones given our body structure and keep us from being a puddle of goo on the ground. However, most of the animals on Earth don’t have any bones. How can they move? How do they live without bones? How many kinds exist? This program explores the characteristics that classify an animal as an invertebrate (an animal without bones) and delves into the diversity of this unique group of animals by highlighting various species and their traits.

The Survival Challenge (Grades 1-2)

Regardless of their habitat, all animals have certain basic needs: food, water, shelter, etc. Every environment requires its animals to develop specialized strategies to meet these needs. This program explores how animals in different biomes (such as rainforest and desert) are uniquely adapted to find resources where they live.

Aligns with MA STE standards 1-ESS1-2, 1-LS1-1, 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).

Remarkable Reptiles (Grades 3-5)

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 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)

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 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).

Endangered Species (Grades 5-8)

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).

It's a Jungle Out There (Grades 5-8)

Did you know that rainforests contain over half of the world’s plant and animal species, but 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 through our ZooMobile Inquiry Form!

Beyond the Classroom

  • 45 minute program
  • 4-5 animals
  • 25 participants
  • $400 for 1 presentation ($250 each additional)

 

Comforting Creatures

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.

Community Programs

 

Travel & Break Fees

Travel Fees

  • Less than 20 miles from Southwick’s Zoo – no fee
  • 20-34 miles away from zoo – $50
  • 35-54 miles away from zoo – $75
  • 55-70 miles away from zoo $100
  • Greater than 70 miles – contact us for fee

 

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 – $75
  • 60-90 minutes between presentations – $150
Click Here to Submit a ZooMobile Inquiry

Submitted an inquiry but still have questions? Email education@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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