
Preschoolers can take part in fun pollinator- and safari-themed programs
Beginning Feb. 9, 2019, kids ages 3 to 5 (and parents in some cases) can enjoy the Oregon Zoo's newest camp offering: Critter Club.
"Preschoolers are natural explorers," said Alison Heimowitz, the zoo's school and teacher liaison. "And Critter Club taps into that proclivity in order to help cultivate the skills and passion that will shape tomorrow's conservation leaders."
Each three-day class — developed specifically for little ones and led by education professionals — features imaginative play, movement, storytelling and live animal interactions.
"What's the Buzz?" focuses on bees, butterflies and other important pollinators. Kids explore the inside of a beehive (safely), build a "bee hotel," dress up like bats, tour the zoo's butterfly conservation lab, and plant native flowers for their own backyard or neighborhood.
For "Safari Adventure," kids ride a magic Jeep to the savanna in search of African wildlife big and small. Campers can feed a giraffe, solve an animal mystery, touch a lion pelt, cast animal tracks and meet some African arthropods.
More News

Rescued cougar cubs are venturing out
A pair of orphaned cougar cubs, rescued and brought to the zoo by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife staff in November, have begun exploring their outdoor habitat.April 17, 2025

Zoo seeks pika watchers for summer season
The Oregon Zoo is recruiting volunteers for Cascades Pika Watch.April 15, 2025

Zoo convenes action for imperiled elephants
Sabah government representatives joined conservation NGOs, local communities, palm oil producers, and tourism operators this week in the fight to save the world’s smallest elephants from extinction.April 11, 2025