Discovery Programs at the Zoo
Available for Student Groups - PreK through College
These formal school group presentations were designed to provide students with a foundation of information about one animal, group of animals or habitat displayed at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Discovery Programs include professional instruction and a hands-on experience with animal artifacts. Click here to schedule.
Most programs take place in the Education Center Classrooms and last 30-45 minutes, depending on group size. The Puget Sound Habitat Discovery program meets in the Marine Discovery Center and last up to 60 minutes. This program is also limited to 15 students per program.
You may also download Field Discovery Activities for students to complete with their groups in the Zoo following their program. These activities include Student Logs and Chaperone Guides. Students will have fun making scientific observations and their chaperones will appreciate suggestions to help guide their students.
To schedule a Discovery Program, visit our online reservation page. If you are unable to make your reservation online, please call 253-591-5333.
Program Fees 
$50 for groups of 5 - 30 students$60 for groups of 31 - 40 students
$70 for groups of 41 - 50 students
Prices do not include admissions tax and a $3 processing fee.
Multiple programs may be scheduled for the same day. Due to limited classroom and staff availability we are unable to offer simultaneous programming.
Unless otherwise noted, all Discovery Programs will take place in Education Center.
Wildlife Discovery: K - 5th Grades
Arctic Tundra
Like a frozen desert, the tundra challenges the survival of the animals that live there. Students will find out about the wild and woolly world of polar bears, reindeer, arctic fox and musk ox and make connections about how these tundra animals are able to survive in their chilly home. Hands-on items include a musk ox pelt, a polar bear skull model and a reindeer antler.
Asian Forest
There are forests all over the world, filled with wondrous wildlife. Students will discover how forest animals in Washington compare to those in Southeast Asia and look closely at real tiger fur, an elephant tooth and models of a tiger and a tapir skull. Older students will also be asked to think about their impact on global forests.
Marine Mammals
We'll transform one of your students into a marine mammal as we discuss how these blubbery animals make their lives in the ocean and along the shore. Biofacts include a walrus tusk, sea otter fur and more. Younger students will do the "Seal Shimmy."
Ocean Invertebrates (PreK-2nd grades)
Some are squishy, some are pokey, but these spineless wonders are all well suited for survival. Students will discover these animals through colorful costumes and a visit to the Marine Discovery Center's touch tank. This program is limited to 15 students but multiple programs may be booked.
Polar Bears
These great white bears are the largest predator on land, but they also need the sea ice to survive. Students will find out how these special bears survive in their chilly Arctic home. Younger students will learn a polar bear song while older students will find out what they can do to help protect their habitat.
Join us in our Marine Discovery Center to encounter some of the amazing organisms found in Puget Sound. Students will examine live plankton using microscopes and touch marine invertebrates such as crabs and sea stars, all under the guidance of our expert educators. This program is limited to 15 students per program, but multiple programs may be booked. This program runs 60 minutes and meets in the Marine Discovery Center.
Red Wolves
Students will be excited to learn about this amazing endangered species. They will find out why there are so few red wolves left in North America, where they can be found and what is being done to help protect them. This program also includes a hands-on experience with a red wolf pelt, skull and radio tracking collar.
Sharks
Dive into the world of sharks! Students will find out about shark fins, gills, teeth and special skin. Older students will also learn about shark diversity and conservation issues. This program meets at the Education Center but students are encouraged to visit the sharks in the South Pacific Aquarium either before or after their program.This program includes an opportunities for student to touch real jaws and shark skin.
Skulls 101
Some animals have teeth for grinding up plants while others sport teeth adapted for tearing the flesh of their prey. Still others have a little of both! Students will test their scientific observation skills as they classify and identify real skulls and skull models.
6th - College Programs
Marine Mammals
Sea otters, pinnipeds, cetaceans and even polar bears have all evolved to depend on the ocean for survival. Students will learn about how each of these groups is specially adapted to life in a marine habitat. Biofacts include a sea otter pelt, walrus tusk and gray whale baleen.
Polar Bears and Climate Change
These incredible marine mammals are superbly adapted to live on the icy Arctic Ocean. However, increasing global temperatures have led to decreases in bear populations due to a variety of factors that will be discussed during this program. Students will be encouraged to consider making a personal behavior change that will lessen their own impact on global climate change.
Red Wolves
While red wolf breeding programs have helped to increase wild red wolf populations from 14 to over 100, these elusive animals are still critically endangered. Students will learn the suspected causes of their near extinction and find out what is being done today to protect them in their rapidly shrinking habitat.
Sharks
Many of us are fascinated by or possibly afraid of these specialized fish. Students will learn about shark adaptations, their role in marine ecosystems and the challenges shark populations face in the oceans today. The program concludes with an opportunity for hand on exploration of shark skin and jaws, including a life-sized replica of a whale shark jaw.
Skulls 101
Some animals have teeth for grinding up plants while others sport teeth adapted for tearing the flesh of their prey. Still others have a little of both! Students will test their scientific observation skills as they classify and identify real skulls and skull models.
Zoological Careers
Students will gather information about what it takes to work with wildlife in a zoological setting. We'll discuss the skills, education and experience required to enter this competitive field, and talk about what a typical work day is like at a zoo and aquarium.
Zoos: Working for the World's Wildlife
Discover how zoos are wildlife sanctuaries and support conservation. Highlighted projects include breeding programs for endangered species and education efforts both at Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium and in situ around the world. (High school and College students only).