 | Zoo Hours:
10 AM - 4 PM
7 Days a Week
Open All Year |
| Location:
1001 North Park Drive
Brandywine Park
Wilmington, Delaware
19802 |
| Information:
(302) 571-7747
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Planned learning activities at the Brandywine Zoo are numerous and available for all ages.
Our mission is to enhance and enrich people's understanding and respect of the complex relationships among all living things and inspire wildlife conservation. If you have any questions about our programs, please contact Jill Karlson, Curator of Education, at (302) 571-7850 Ext. 208 or email jill.karlson@state.de.us.
Summer Interns Needed!
Teens, are you looking for something FUN to do with your summer? Well, the Zoo is looking for motivated, enthusiastic teens to intern this summer as either a Naturalist or a Camp Counselor! Click Here for more information! |
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On Site Adventures
Close Encounters of the Wild Kind
Keeper Watching
Story Time
Zoo Camps
Spring Break Zoo Camp
Summer Mini-Camps
Summer Full-Day Camps
Family Programs
Zoo Toddlers - Ages 18 months - 3 years
ZooKids - Ages 4 - 6
Summer Sunday Explorers - Ages 18 mo - 6 years
Junior Zoo Naturalists - Ages 7 - 13
Scout Day - Cub Scouts, Juniors & Brownies
Special Events - All Ages
Education Programs
Home School Programs
Discovery Tours
Traveling Zoo
Teacher Resources and Loan Kits
Self-guided Tours
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The Brandywine Zoo is a member of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, a distinction that marks its commitment to provide excellent care for animals, a great experience for the visitor and a better future for all living things.
The Brandywine Zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan. This is a plan, which was begun by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, to promote the long-term survival of certain endangered animals. Because of the Zoo's participation in this plan, visitors may get to know endangered species like the golden lion tamarin and the Siberian tiger.
Also, the Brandywine Zoo works to secure the survival of endangered species through captive breeding. When possible, the Brandywine Zoo works with other zoos to help reintroduce a species into the wild. Professionally run zoos, like the Brandywine Zoo, serve as the last refuge many animals have against extinction.
The Brandywine Zoo is proud to be an active participant in this worthwhile effort. | |
On Site Adventures
Programs held here at The Brandywine Zoo over the year change frequently to include new and exciting ZOOventures around every corner.
Close Encounters of the Wild Kind
Experience wildlife up close and personal at the Brandywine Zoo! Learn about your favorite animals from Zoo staff! Programs include Live Animal Presentations, Conservation Action Stations and Discovery Carts, focus of the education topic changes weekly. For all ages.
Programs Run: Weekends in April and May, and daily June through August.
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Location: Daily postings will be placed at the front of the zoo describing which exhibits will be discussed.
Fee: Free with paid admission
Discovery Cart Topics
April 5-6: Wonders of Water
April 12-13: Animal Senses
April 19-20: Just Re-Do It
April 26-27: Tropical Rainforests
Discovery Cart Topics
May 3-4: What Animals Eat
May 10-11: Mothers and Young
May 17-18: Birds
May 24-25: Nocturnal Animals
May 31-June 1: Animal Defenses
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Discovery Cart Topics
May 31-June 1: Animal Defenses
June 2-8: Tales about Tails
June 9-15: Oceans
June 16-22: Animal Adaptations
June 23-29: Mammals
June 30-July 6: Red, White, and Blue |
Conservation Action Stations
May 31-June 1: None
June 2-8: Amphibian Conservation
June 9-15: Wonders of Water
June 16-22: Horseshoe Crabs
June 23-29: Native vs. Invasive Plants
June 30-July 6: Who Lives in Your Backyard?
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Discovery Cart Topics
June 30-July 6: Red, White, and Blue
July 7-13: Behavioral Enrichment
July 14-20: Hip Herps
July 21-27: Crazy Camouflage
July 28- Aug 3: Odd Animals |
Conservation Action Stations
June 30-July 6: Who Lives in Your Backyard?
July 7-13: Feral Animals in Delaware
July 14-20: Amphibian Conservation
July 21-27: Christmas in July
July 28- Aug 3: Composting
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Discovery Cart Topics
Aug 4-10: Creepy Crawlers
Aug 11-17: Suitcase for Survival
Aug 18-24: BZ's SSP Animals
Aug 25-31: Dinosaurs |
Conservation Action Stations
Aug 4-10: Global Warning in Delaware
Aug 11-17: Pollution in our Wetlands
Aug 18-24: Dealing with Drought
Aug 25-31: Dead Zones: The Chesapeake Bay Crisis
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Keeper Watching
Experience the Zoo from a Zoo Keeper's perspective. Learn interesting facts about the Zoo's fabulous animals and the special ways that keepers deal with them. For all ages.
Programs run: Weekends in May; Daily in June through August
Times: 11:30am & 1:30pm
Location: Will be posted on the day of what exhibits will be discussed at the front of the Zoo.
Fee: Free with paid admission
Story Time at the Zoo
Delightful animal stories read by a lively storyteller near the Otter Exhibit, may include a craft or activity. Weather Permitting. For all ages-especially the young.
Program runs: Every Thursday June through August
Time: 10:30am
Location: At the picnic area in front of the Otter Exhibit
Fee: Free with paid admission
Zoo Camp
The Brandywine Zoo also offers special camp programs in the warmer months for children.
In 2008, we are offering:
March 24-28
(for kids completing 1st-5th grade)
(1/2 day camp for ages 4-6). AM and PM Sessions available the weeks of:
The weeks of:
Family Programs
The Brandywine Zoo also regularly offers programs for the whole family for a variety of age groups year round with the exception of the summer months.
Family programs include:
Zoo Toddlers
Age 18mo-3yrs
The Brandywine Zoo offers programs specially designed for children 18 months to 3 years old. These fun-filled frolics into the animal world may include a story, a live animal visit, and a craft. All children must be accompanied by an adult. One adult is admitted free for each participating child. Programs are held in the Education Building. Space is limited, so pre-registration is strongly suggested.
Fee: $8 per child; $6 per child for Delaware Zoological Society.
ZooKids
Age 4-6yrs
Calling all kids ages 4-6! Bring your adult to the Zoo for an afternoon of exploration into the animal world. These special programs may include a story, live animal presentation, activities, and a craft. All children must be accompanied by an adult and be within the correct age bracket on the day of the program. One adult is admitted free for each participating child. Space is limited to 15 children, so pre-registration is strongly suggested. Programs begin in the Education Building. Walk-ins are welcome, if space is available.
Fee: $8 per child; $6 per child for Delaware Zoological Society Members.
Summer Sunday Explorers
Age 18 months - 6 years
Kids, bring your adult(s) for a leisurely Sunday afternoon exploring the animals at the Brandywine Zoo. Each session will focus on a different animal or habitat. The program will include a craft, topic related activity, live animal presentation, and a walk through the zoo. One adult is admitted free for each participating child. Programs begin in the Education Building. Walk-ins are welcome, if space is available.
Fee: $8.00 per person; $6.00 per person Zoo Members. Space is limited, so pre-registration is strongly suggested.
Junior Zoo Naturalists
Age 7-13yrs
Kids, do you want to learn more about animals and the world around us? These programs, specially designed for kids ages 7-13, are designed to challenge your brain and your investigative spirit! Discover animals, conservation and recreation all in one! Programs begin in the Education Building and include a pizza lunch, a zoo tour, outdoor activities, and more! Dress for the weather. Parents can drop off and pick up their children at the Education Building.
Fee: $20 per child; $15 per child for Delaware Zoological Society Members.
Scout Day
An Event for Boys and Girls!
Calling all Cub Scouts, Juniors and Brownies! The Brandywine Zoo hosts events designed just for scouts and their families. During these events, enjoy games, crafts, and activities all geared toward meeting scout requirements. The program will begin at the Education Building (located next to the Exotic House.) Activities will take place in the Zoo, so please be sure to dress for the weather. All participating Scouts will receive a Brandywine Zoo patch!
Fee: $8.00 per person (this includes leaders, chaperones, parents, and siblings); Program fee applies for Zoo Members as well. Space is limited, please register early!
Special Events
For all ages
All Special Events take place in the zoo, unless otherwise indicated.
Special Events are held at the Brandywine Zoo on a regular basis.
 Education Programs
The Zoo staff invites teachers and activity coordinators for senior and youth groups to consider the Brandywine Zoo a satellite classroom for teaching about science and nature. Programs are established for all ages, from toddlers to adults and senior citizens, as well as for onsite here at the Zoo or at your location.
WILD Home School Programs The Brandywine Zoo's Home School series offers many different subjects to homeschoolers as a part of their Zoo Education Programs.
- Learn about specific subjects and how they relate to wildlife, plants, and zoos overall!
- Have a WILD adventure while learning about subjects applicable for grades K through 12.
Discovery Tours These educational tours provide participants with an experience that is fun, exciting and educational. These programs include a brief introduction to the topic and a guided tour of the zoo complete with hands-on learning activities.
- Discovery Tours require a minimum of 15 participants and a maximum of 65 per program. One responsible teacher or adult chaperone must accompany each 12-15 students.
- There is a small fee per person.
- Call early to get your choice of dates. Mid-April through June is our busiest season, and we encourage you to consider alternative dates. We are open every day in every season. Discovery Programs run during the summer as well as throughout the school year. Arrangements must be made in advance. Please call, (302) 571-7850 Ext. 208.
Self Guided Tours
You are invited to visit the Zoo with your group on your own.
- If you have special activities for your students or want to introduce the Zoo in a more informal way, this is the format for you.
Call (302) 571-7850 Ext. 208 for group rates and visitation information.
Traveling Zoo
Teachers and activity coordinators for organizations such as, libraries, day care centers, youth groups, retirement communities, and neighborhood organizations are invited to host the "zoo-to-you" at your location. A zoo naturalist or zoo docent comes to your location and provides a fun and interesting program featuring live zoo animals! For more information, visit our Traveling Zoo or call (302) 571-7850 Extension 224.
- Most Traveling Zoo programs meet State Standards too.
- These programs require a minimum of 15 participants and there is a small fee.
Contract Programs Contract Programs for large groups or schools (including grade level appropriate Discovery Tours and Traveling Zoos) are available for a reduced rate. Please call the Curator of Education for more information or to set up a Contract Program at (302) 571-7850 Ext. 208.
Design Your Own Program If you do not see a program that covers the information you wish to illustrate, please call (302) 571-7850 Ext. 208 and let us help you design your own program.
Teacher Resources The Brandywine Zoo offers several different types of resources for teachers who want to lead their own program.
- Teacher Resources for workshops and educational zoo-related materials you may borrow for your classroom.
- Loan Kits are available for classrooms or special group meetings. These self-contained kits provide a teacher/leader with the tools to teach about the welfare of wild animals and about zoo careers.
For more information, contact the Curator of Education at (302) 571-7850 Ext. 208 or email jill.karlson@state.de.us
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