Animal Encounters

Learning within the confines of a traditional classroom setting often presents challenges when aiming to captivate young, curious minds. But beyond textbooks and tests, a different kind of classroom comes to the forefront—one where the low rumble of a lion’s growl replaces the hum of fluorescent lights and squeak of a whiteboard marker. Here, engaging lessons are delivered by the natural world itself—with the help of experienced educators, of course.

For youth and student groups, wildlife encounters offer more than just a break from worksheets and independent reading time, and research underscores just how profound that influence really is. Direct interaction with animals can enhance students’ understanding of biology and ecology, and according to findings by Megan K. Mueller of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, “emotions and cognitions about animals [are] related to indices of positive development.”

Incorporating animal experiences into student itineraries is an investment in a holistic education. When students observe animals in their natural habitats or participate in conservation efforts, they develop a deeper understanding of biodiversity and the importance of preserving it—a connection that translates into lifelong environmental advocacy and informed citizenship. Perhaps the call of the wild is the most compelling classroom after all.

MIDWEST

The Midwest region is a promising place to start. Aikman Wildlife Preserve, nestled in Arcola, Illinois, brings 230 animals spanning 90 species to students of various ages. Group tours include park access; a free cup of petting zoo feed for each guest; and admission to the Museum of Prehistoric Life, which houses 40-plus dinosaur models; access to Walk-Thru, where groups can view smaller animals, predators, an aviary, and a petting zoo; and more.

In Wisconsin, Timbavati Wildlife Park in the Wisconsin Dells boasts more than 70 years of animal care experience. Expert-led youth programs and tours include visits to Kangaroo Walkabout and Parakeet Encounter, a wildlife presentation, and a complimentary safari train ride when time and space allow. Or, head to Michigan’s Oswald’s Bear Ranch, one of the largest bear sanctuaries in the U.S., to round out a wildlife-focused itinerary.

Other options include Safari North Wildlife Park (Minnesota), Big Run Wolf Ranch (Illinois), The Wilds safari park (Ohio), and Wolf Creek Habitat and Rescue (Indiana).

NORTHEAST

For groups heading to the Northeast, Dalby Farm in Scituate, Massachusetts, delivers a combination of rare, heritage animal breeds and conservation education. “Our programs include hands-on encounters with our animals, nature-based learning, and age-appropriate discussions around conservation, agriculture, and humane animal care,” explains Kendall Ditommaso, whose family has owned Dalby Farm for more than 160 years.

Its ethos extends beyond learning to meaningful, personal impact. “Group leaders often tell us our programs strike the perfect balance of educational and fun,” Ditommaso continues. “[Planners] sense our willingness to adapt and be flexible based on the personalities, energy, weather—whatever it might be.”

Farther north, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) continues its 50-year legacy of environmental advocacy through self-guided trails, interactive exhibits, and the Forest Canopy Walk—a boardwalk experience that floats above the forest floor and gives students a birds-eye view of Mother Nature. “VINS’ mission is to motivate individuals and communities to care for the environment through education, research, and avian wildlife rehabilitation,” says Emily Boren, director of marketing. “We hope students walk away with a deeper understanding of, and reverence for, the natural world. [We] hope they’ll be inspired to care for it throughout their life.”

Meanwhile, New Jersey’s Out of Sight Alpacas offers a more pastoral setting, in which students interact with alpacas, emus, donkeys, and more. Students also will enjoy Lake Tobias Wildlife Park (Pennsylvania), Animal Adventures (Massachusetts), Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (New Hampshire), and 3 Palms Zoo and Education Center (Delaware).

SOUTHEAST

In the Southeast, animal encounters come with lifelong lessons. At Florida’s Lion Country Safari, group tours can explore the drive-through park on a self-guided basis or reap the rewards of educator-led programming. “As a result of our team working on programming with a local elementary school, a student who previously refused to read, write, or participate in classwork dove into writing and drawing for a report on our lions,” says Ansley Barkheimer, group sales coordinator. “We’ll always view this as a major success—not only because of our programming but also because of our park’s ability to connect students with wildlife.”

In Alabama, Tigers for Tomorrow Wild Animal Preserve approaches education from a different angle—particularly for teens. “Empathy for Tomorrow” introduces students to the four basic instincts shared by humans and animals: self-preservation, territory, food, and relationships. “We want students to understand that if animals are reacting to an instinct, it doesn’t mean they are mean,” explains Executive Director Susan Ste!ens. “We hope students will incorporate what they learn at the preserve into their everyday life and treat their animals at home (and wild animals they might run across in their backyards!) with respect.”

Salato Wildlife Education Center (Kentucky), Carolina Raptor Center (North Carolina), Eudora Wildlife Safari Park (South Carolina), and Cypress Point Resort (Mississippi) make for equally rewarding tour stops your young tourgoers will love.

WEST

Across the western states, vast landscapes provide a backdrop for transformative wildlife experiences. In Winston, Oregon, Wildlife Safari blends education with accessibility, ensuring students of all abilities can participate. “We are proud to offer a highly accessible experience for children with disabilities,” says Ali Shaver, marketing coordinator. “Our free walk-through Village features wheelchair-accessible paths and exhibits, [and] for those enjoying the drive-through experience, we provide ADA-compliant buses and encounter vehicles to ensure everyone can participate comfortably and safely.”

Meanwhile, Wyoming’s Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures connects students to one of the most intact ecosystems in North America. “The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is considered the American Serengeti, and this is the only place in the Lower 48 with such a huge, contiguous swath of protected land,” says Kelsey Wellington, social media manager. “Our expert naturalist guides … excel at connecting with younger audiences and inspiring the next generation to care about wild spaces.”

Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge also offers youth groups a memorable outing via its 11-mile Wildlife Drive. “Kids, while visiting the refuge, [can] earn their Junior Ranger badge,” says Visitor Services Manager Sarah Metzer, noting that booklets are available online or at the Visitor Center. Other wildlife refuges include Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Alaska), Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge (Nevada), and Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge (Montana).

In California’s Sonoma County, Safari West offers daytime safaris and overnight adventures that immerse students into the Animal Kingdom. “Our Safari Sleepovers include a night in luxury tent cabins, a campfire talk, dinner, and a guided safari,” the team at Safari West shares. “Kids wake up to the sound of flamingos and the thrill of sighting a giraffe while walking to breakfast. We often hear from teachers that the kids ‘talk about it all year’ or say it’s ‘the best field trip ever.’”

Bear Country USA in Rapid City, South Dakota, puts black bears, elk, reindeer, and more on view. Also in Rapid City, Reptile Gardens—home to giant tortoises, a 16-foot crocodile, and an array of bugs, amphibians, snakes, and birds—has earned a Guinness World Record as the “World’s Largest Reptile Zoo.”

Finally, at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas, large pastures provide students a rare look into animal behavior. “This land allows us to keep large herds of animals, sometimes hundreds strong, and observe them as they roam freely within our pastures,” explains Garrett Gosdin, marketing associate at the wildlife center. “This is different from a traditional zoological facility and can give insights into the natural animal behaviors in the wild.”

Gosdin recalls a particularly impactful visit: “Several years ago, we had a Girl Scout Troop visit us. They aided our staff in collecting behavioral data on several species to understand how behaviors change throughout the day—and even over the years. … The scouts took their knowledge home and decided to track the pollinators living in their area. While their study, unfortunately, showed there weren’t very many, this realization led them to create a local pollinator garden.” And what better way to emphasize that the most rewarding classrooms have no walls at all?

By Katelyn Bloomquist

Main Image: Safari West, Santa Rosa, California; Credit: Carl Willits