How many students can attend a single assembly?

The booking lists capacity between 35 and 500+ students; larger groups may require additional logistical support like sound or staggered seating.

Will the same animals appear at every visit?

The program features five animals drawn from the facility’s education collection; species rotate based on availability, animal welfare, and program focus.

Can students touch the animals?

Limited, supervised contact is possible for appropriate species under staff guidance; handlers will instruct students when touching is allowed.

What should teachers provide on the day?

Schools typically provide seating, crowd control, and any audio support for large groups; confirm specifics with staff at booking.

Is the program curriculum-aligned?

Yes—educators tailor talks to grade level standards around ecosystems, adaptation, and conservation for a clear classroom connection.

Photography is usually permitted without flash; staff may restrict images for sensitive species or during handling.

Santee School Field Trip: Live Animal Assembly and Conservation Program | Zoo | Wildlife

At the heart of Santee, California, the Zoo Animal Assembly Program For Your School brings live wildlife into a 60-minute, hands-on learning session for groups of 35–500+ students. Housed on-site at the zoo’s education area, the program pairs a trained educator with five animals drawn from the facility’s collection, giving students a close, supervised encounter that emphasizes biology, behavior, and conservation. The experience is structured, interactive, and adaptable: educators tailor explanations to elementary through high school levels, invite students to ask questions, and rotate species so every group sees multiple taxa in one hour. The format favors tactile learning—students may touch fur, scales, or feathers under guidance—and observation, as staff demonstrate natural behaviors and discuss habitat needs, diets, and lifecycle stages. For teachers, the assembly aligns well with classroom units on ecosystems, adaptation, and human impacts on wildlife. What makes this offering a standout in the San Diego region is its accessibility and scale. The program reaches large groups efficiently without losing the intimacy of a small classroom demonstration. It also serves as a gateway to broader zoo-based conservation messages: how captive care supports rescue and rehabilitation, and how local stewardship helps regional species. The assembly is especially well-suited to school field days, science nights, and community education events. Practical details are straightforward: sessions run approximately 60 minutes, accommodate K–12 sizes listed in the booking information, and cost between the quoted $599–$650 depending on group size. The zoo provides educators, animals, and basic handling materials; schools are responsible for arranging on-site logistics like seating and microphone support for large crowds. Accessibility considerations can be discussed with staff when booking to ensure students with mobility or sensory needs participate comfortably. Parents and teachers should plan to arrive early to settle students and brief them on respectful behavior around animals: quiet voices, gentle hands, and following staff prompts. Photography is allowed in most cases, but flash and sudden movements are discouraged. The program not only sparks curiosity; it builds empathy and teaches concrete conservation actions students can take at home and school. For educators seeking a compact, curriculum-friendly field experience in Santee, this assembly turns curriculum into three-dimensional, living examples of science in action. On site the assembly typically uses the education stage or a covered presentation area with portable tables, display cases, and clear sightlines that allow even large groups to watch close handling. Key features include hands-on display materials, animal transport kennels tucked behind the scenes, and staff-led habitat demonstrations. The San Diego region’s native coastal sage scrub and chaparral inform many lessons—educators compare local wildlands to the animals’ native ecosystems. The program reflects a long local emphasis on conservation education and community outreach. Expect memorable, curriculum-linked learning outcomes daily.

About Zovargo

Zovargo provides live animal education and entertainment services, specializing in customizable in-person animal experiences for schools, libraries, preschools, scouts, parties, and special events in San Diego.

The company brings up to five carefully selected animals to each session, tailoring presentations by age group and audience size. Program options include short preschool sessions composed of two interactive 25-minute presentations, one-hour classroom programs for grade school and middle school audiences, school assemblies featuring five animals, and flexible animal party packages for groups of 1–15 or 16–35 attendees. Zovargo also offers scout programs, including one-hour badge-earning sessions and three-hour Girl Scout "journey-in-a-day" experiences, plus live-animal library presentations aligned with seasonal themes.

Presentations emphasize safety, education, and hands-on engagement where appropriate. Staff coordinate with hosts to choose themes, adjust learning objectives, and confirm logistics for special events such as galas or conferences using an animal experience booth format. Programs are designed to meet the needs of educators, librarians, event planners, and parents seeking memorable, curriculum-supporting encounters with wildlife.

Bookings are arranged by direct contact to discuss personalized details, group size, timing, and theme. Zovargo’s model focuses on delivering memorable, age-appropriate interactions that encourage curiosity about animals and conservation. The organization’s programs are suitable for young children through adult audiences, and they prioritize safe handling, educational value, and adaptable delivery at the host’s chosen location. Each visit may include up to five animals and age-appropriate hands-on interactions. Teachers and hosts can request specific themes, tailor session length, and select animals based on group size.