POCATELLO — Zoo Idaho hosts two different programs that are available by reservation only. If you’re looking for something for your fifth-grader to do on weekends, or you want to have Zoo Idaho talk about all things animals at your school or event, these are the events for you.

Book with Zoo Idaho Education Coordinator Rachael Shearouse by emailing rshearouse@pocatello.us or calling 208-234-6264.

Fifth Grade Zoo SnooZzzz

The event goes from 5 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday. Other days may be available on request.

This special overnight program is designed for fifth-grade groups of 15 to 30 students and one to three chaperones. (The preferred ratio is one chaperone per 10 students.) Participants sleep in tents or inside the Education Center, depending on weather. Activities include an investigation of native wildlife and going behind the scenes as a zookeeper.

Schedule

Day 1

• 5 p.m. – Arrive at Education Building (3101 Avenue of the Chiefs) and set up tents
• 5:30 p.m. – Animal Ecology lesson and Behind-the-Scenes tour
• 6:15 p.m. – Predator/prey activity
• 7 p.m. – Snack break
• 7:30 p.m. – Night hike (learn about nocturnal animal adaptations)
• 8:15 p.m. – Movie
• 9:45 p.m. – Bedtime

Day 2

• 7 a.m. – Wake up and pack
• 7:30 a.m. – Breakfast
• 8 a.m. – Animal training demonstration with zookeepers and live animal encounters
• 9 a.m. – Depart

Cost

• $25 per student
• $15 per chaperone
• Free for teachers

Animal Outreach Programs

Zoo Idaho can come to you. Bring the excitement of Zoo Idaho and live animals to your classroom, school, community, business, party and more by signing up for one of their exciting outreach programs. Topics include: “Idaho Alive: Investigate native wildlife,” “Tropic Cascade: Learn how energy flows through an ecosystem” and “Birds of Prey: Explore the lives of these apex predators.” Additional topics are available by request.

School group costs

• Within School District 25: $25 for the first class; $16 for each additional class
• Beyond School District 25 (up to 25 miles): $40 for the first class; $26 for each additional class
• Beyond 25-mile radius: $40 for first class; $26 for each additional class, plus $2 per mile fee over 25 miles and cost of overnight if required.

Community groups and corporate group costs

• Within 25 miles of the zoo: $50 per group
• 25- to 50-mile radius: $100 per group
• Beyond 50-mile radius: To be determined by Zoo Idaho at booking