A family, school or other group visit to a zoo begins with the thought that it will be an exciting and enjoyable recreational outing, but it ends as having been an educational experience as well.  Just the close visual contact with the zoo’s wide variety of animals is an informal enriching educational encounter.  Interpretive signage adds to the education experience in a more formal way for the visitors that want to learn about an animal’s natural history.  You can also learn about the animals by using the Story Book Boxes.   The use of the boxes is especially good for young children since they provide animal facts in both narrative and song format.  Families gather around the boxes listening and learning together.  Animal Keepers when available will answer questions and give scheduled talks about the animals they care for.  Docent volunteers are zoo educators that can be found throughout the zoo.  They are always ready to answer animal questions and help visitors find their way.  

When they are scheduled visitors can attend education programs at the Amphitheater or Education Center classroom. Live mammals, birds, and reptiles are used to reinforce basic animal concepts and introduce and reinforce conservation messages.  

A large part of the zoo’s mission is to foster wildlife conservation education.  It is hoped that zoo visitors will be inspired to understand, appreciate, and protect the fragile interdependence of all living things.