Education Programs

The David Traylor Zoo of Emporia education programs reach more than 30,000 children per year.

Zoo Docents

A docent is a volunteer teacher (age minimum is 16 years old). An Emporia Zoo Docent is a member of the Emporia Friends of the Zoo, trained for and dedicated to teaching about animals, promoting ecological awareness, and supporting the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia.

Education Center Classroom

Hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 1 to 4 pm

Field Trips & Camps

Zoo Camp is a week-long camp for children who have completed 3rd or 4th grade. Children will explore the wild world of animals from zoo exhibits and encounters to educational interactions with Zoo instructors.

Other Available Programs

  • One-hour tour for 1st grade and older
  • Provide small touchable animals and biofacts before or after a teacher-led tour
  • Support a teacher-led lesson with small animals, biofacts and information
  • Present a 30- to 45-minute lesson on any of the following: owls, snakes and reptiles, turtles and tortoises, classifying animals, endangered species, Kansas state animals, animal coverings
  • Suitcase for Survival
  • Zoo tours for all ages
  • Care home visits