Zoo students discover ABCs: ants, bird, civets
by Paul D. Matson, sports editor

    (Part 2 in a series on the Fort Worth Zoo)

    When the Fort Worth Zoo opened in 1909, one of its primary goals was to instill an understanding and appreciation of wildlife and wild lands and man’s impact on them.

    In 1994, the opening of the zoo’s Gloria Lupton Tennison Education Center provided the facilities needed to further this long-term goal.

    Harry Tennison, Gloria’s husband and former big-game hunter, has since become a big-game conservationist.

    Therefore, to reflect Tennison’s beliefs, the center’s rooms have theme names such as Raven’s Roost, Wart Hog Hollow and Python Place.

    People of all ages may take advantage of the zoo’s educational programs.

    The zoo’s Wild Wonders Live Animal Presentation is one of several educational programs that feature private viewing of zoo animals, including birds, reptiles and mammals. The up-close and personal presentations are interactive and informative.

    Other exhibits may be taken directly to other locations throughout the metroplex, providing groups with unique opportunities to learn about the wonders of the animal kingdom.

    Classes are available for pre-kindergarten through senior citizens.
    These attractions can accommodate any size group, and presentation times are flexible.

    Students as young as 2 (accompanied by an adult) may enroll in classes.

    “Parents, as well as children, learn from these programs,” Cindy McMahon, director of education, said.

    “We send home a fact sheet, with questions, so parents can interact with their children,” she said.

    At one session for pre-schoolers, the subject was primates.

Children learned the difference between apes and monkeys, learned to “ape walk,” made gorilla masks and visited the World of Primates.

    Students are taught that human’s five senses are both similar to and different fromanimals’ senses.

    “Public school teachers can always tell when one of their students has attended zoo school,” she said.

    The zoo has a vast array of educational programs, including Saturday and summer classes, weekday zoo school, pre-school and student group zoo visits.

    Also included are Texas Wild! Overnight and Safari Overnight. Both overnight packages are for ages 6-adult and include a morning and an evening tour of the zoo. Sleeping accommodations are at the Tennison Education Center.

    Birthday parties for ages 4-12 also are available.

    For information on sleepovers, birthday parties and Saturday classes, call 817-759-7200.

    The Fort Worth Zoo Education Program also has a deaf education program.

    For information on all other classes, call 817-871-7465.