African Lion
The African lion is the second largest cat, with males weighing up to 550 pounds and females weighing between 260 and 400 pounds.
Edventure Academy Offerings
Edventure Academy provides a unique opportunity for you and your child to learn more about the animals at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo! Each session is specifically designed for the age group indicated and includes a craft, snack, biofact (skulls, fur, feathers, etc.) presentation, a Zoo tour, and may include an animal encounter or keeper talk.
Become a member of the Edventure Academy!
Register your child for a minimum of four classes at once and receive a special 'safari sack,' filled with fun items relating to upcoming class topics.
'Edventurers' who register for at least 6 classes during the 2010-2011 school year will be invited to our June graduation celebration. Details coming soon!
A parent or guardian is required to attend preschool sessions with their child; parents are optional for 6-9 year old sessions. Class size is limited to ensure that your child has the most educational and fun experience we can offer! Please help us by leaving toddlers and infants at home. Pre-registration is required for all sessions; a minimum number of registrants is required to run all Edventure Academy programming.
Fees (includes Twilight at the Zoo):
- Members: $15 per child/adult pair per session
- Non-members: $20 per child/adult pair per session
- $9 for each additional child (member or non) in the same session
Click HERE to download a registration form.
'Twilight at the Zoo' Family Edventure-The Crepuscular Crowd!
Bring the whole family to explore the Zoo after hours with a Zoo educator! We'll learn all about the zoo's crepuscular animals, or animals most active at dawn and dusk, through a personal tour of some of the best areas to spot crepuscular animals, a crazy craft, and a sensational snack! Don't miss this unique opportunity!
- Session TZ091010: Friday, September 10, 6:00-7:30 pm
Rockin' 'Rep'tember!
Slither, creep or crawl into this cold-blooded class as we explore the zoo's reptiles with a personal tour of the 'cave,' make a reptilian craft, and even meet some of your favorite reptiles up close and personal!
| SESSION | AGES | DATE | TIME |
| No Friday Morning Session! See 'Twilight at the Zoo' above | |||
| AM091210 | 3-5 with parent | September 11, 2010 | 10:30 a.m. - noon |
| PM091210 | 3-5 with parent | September 11, 2010 | 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. |
| KA091210 | 6-7 parent optional | September 11, 2010 | 10:30 a.m. - noon |
| KB091210 | 8-9 parent optional | September 11, 2010 | 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. |
Monkeys and More!
Have you seen our newest exhibit--Primate Park? Join us as we explore our zoo's most social animals, from magnificent mandrills to leapin' lemurs, and learn about our newest monkeys, the proud patas! You won't want to miss swingin' into this class!
| SESSION | AGES | DATE | TIME |
| FR100110 | 3-5 with parent | October 1, 2010 | 10:30 a.m. - noon |
| AM100210 | 3-5 with parent | October 2, 2010 | 10:30 a.m. - noon |
| PM100210 | 3-5 with parent | October 2, 2010 | 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. |
| KA100210 | 6-7 parent optional | October 2, 2010 | 10:30 a.m. - noon |
| KB100210 | 8-9 parent optional | October 2, 2010 | 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. |
Fake it to Make it!
Pranksters, tricksters, and animal dupes! Join us as we investigate the ultimate animal tricksters at the zoo. We'll meet some animal pranksters up close, create a CON-ing craft, and search the zoo for the sneakiest of creatures. You won't want to miss these animal shenanigans!
| SESSION | AGES | DATE | TIME |
| FR110510 | 3-5 with parent | November 5, 2010 | 10:30 a.m. - noon |
| AM110610 | 3-5 with parent | November 6, 2010 | 10:30 a.m. - noon |
| PM110610 | 3-5 with parent | November 6, 2010 | 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. |
| KA110610 | 6-7 parent optional | November 6, 2010 | 10:30 a.m. - noon |
| KB110610 | 8-9 parent optional | November 6, 2010 | 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. |
Raptor's Delight!
Sharpen your beaks, flex your talons, and join us for this high flyin' class as we learn all about the birds of prey that call our zoo home! We'll tour the zoo, make a raptor-riffic craft, and meet some amazing birds up close and personal-you won't want to miss it!
| SESSION | AGES | DATE | TIME |
| FR120310 | 3-5 with parent | December 3, 2010 | 10:30 a.m. - noon |
| AM120410 | 3-5 with parent | December 4, 2010 | 10:30 a.m. - noon |
| PM120410 | 3-5 with parent | December 4, 2010 | 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. |
| KA120410 | 6-7 parent optional | December 4, 2010 | 10:30 a.m. - noon |
| KB120410 | 8-9 parent optional | December 4, 2010 | 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. |
Where are the July/August Edventure Academy offerings?
Edventure Academy takes a break during July and August so we can focus our energy and space on Summer Zoo Camp! For more information about Summer Zoo Camp for children entering Kindergarten through ninth grades, please click here.
For more information, please call Liz Schmidt at (315) 435-8511 x205 or e-mail lschmidt@rosamondgiffordzoo.org.
Consent and Waiver Policy
Every participant under the age of 18 without a parent or legal guardian on the premises during the education program must have a signed consent and waiver form on file with the Education Department. This form will be kept on file for one (1) year, so you only need to fill it out once. If your child's medical history, including food allergy or activity restrictions changes, please notify the Education Department to update your file at 435-8511 ext. 205. To download the Education Program Consent and Waiver form, please click here.
Winter Weather Policy
All education programs, including Edventure Academy, camps, and overnights, will run as scheduled unless the Zoo has been closed by order of Onondaga County administration. Sorry, but no refunds or rain checks will be given for 'no-shows' for any reason.
Please check the website throughout the throughout the school year for current Edventure Academy offerings!
