Kids Go Wild For Camp at the Virginia Zoo

Children are learning about animals, science and global warming at August Summer Safari Camp sessions

Who:   From kindergarteners meeting a kinkajou to sixth graders exploring snakes, the Virginia Zoo is taking a unique spin on summer camp by presenting August sessions that let kids ages 4 to 14 explore their world and get closer to exotic animals.

What:   These interactive camps give children close encounters with the Zoo's amazing animals and help them learn more about the wonders of nature and the impact they can make on the world.

When:   Camp sessions are ongoing the weeks of August 4 and August 11 on Mondays through Fridays. Camp starts at 9:00 a.m. (See schedule below for specific session times, dates and ages.)

Where:   The Virginia Zoo is located at 3500 Granby Street in Norfolk , VA.

How:   We welcome media to come join us at camp to get great photos and stories about how some Hampton Roads kids are spending their summer with the animals. To arrange a visit, please call Diane Paluzzi, Marketing Manager, at (757) 441-2374, ext. 223.

August 4 – 8 Summer Camp Safari Sessions :

•  Animal Opposites, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Ages 4 & 5
Speedy or slow, large or small, the animal kingdom has got them all. Campers venture into the animal world to meet some critters who show that being different is not so bad! In this session, kids will meet snakes, llamas and giraffe.

•  Predators, Prey and Plants, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Ages 6 & 7
Campers learn about predators and prey animals as well as some plants that are surprisingly fierce. As they learn about food chains and how we all are interconnected, they will meet bullfrogs, kinkajou, and chinchillas.

•  How Can I Help?, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Ages 12 to 14
What can kids do about global warming, animal extinction, and natural resource? Campers will explore ways they can make a “green” difference at home, in their cities, in the country and around the world. Campers go behind the scenes to meet animals impacted by the environment, including the Zoo's elephants and lions.

•  Antelope to Zebra, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – Ages 4 & 5
From antelope, baboons, and corn snakes to wombats, yaks and zebras, the ABC 's have never been this much fun! As campers learn the alphabet, they meet animals including owl (for “O”), kinkajou (for “K”) and rabbit (for “R”).

•  Power Paws and Fantastic Fliers, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Ages 6 & 7
Who's the fastest of the fast, the strongest of the strong, and whose tail is super long? Campers are amazed by the fantastic things animals do. They meet several of the Zoo's incredible animals from Casey the cockatoo to Mramba, Zola, Granby and Neka – the Zoo's lion family.

•  Animal Myth and Majesty, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Ages 8 & 9
Campers investigate animal legends and myths from our country and around the world to investigate the truth behind the tall tales. Featured animals include rats, snakes, insects and lions.