Field Trips: Working for Wildlife

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A 90-minute guided tour of Zoo Atlanta’s public and behind-the-scenes spaces to learn about careers in zoos. 

From Animal Care and Veterinary Medicine to Horticulture, Marketing, Events, and more, Zoo Atlanta is home to a wide variety of skilled professionals who help the Zoo thrive every day. During this program, students will explore the exciting and varied career paths available at modern accredited zoos while learning what it takes to work in this dynamic field. 
 
The experience includes a guided tour to explore animals and careers in the Zoo and a behind-the-scenes adventure to learn how we care for animals from tiny frogs to mighty elephants. Students will have a chance to learn about our new state-of-the-art veterinary complex, The Rollins Animal Health Center, and visit the Animal Nutrition Kitchen to learn what it takes to feed the Zoo. 

Registration will open in May for the 2026-2027 School Year! 
 
Please note: The behind-the-scenes portion of this tour is not fully ADA accessible. 

Daily, year-round

10 a.m. or 12 p.m. Program is 90 minutes long.

$24.99 per student (includes Zoo admission)

One chaperone per 10 students is admitted free; additional chaperones pay student price. 

CAPACITY: Minimum of 10 – Maximum of 80 per session 

3rd-12th Grade


  • Educational Group Reservations must be made at least 5 weeks prior to program date.  
  • Non-refundable deposit of $50 is due at the time of reservation.  
  • Minimum group size for all guided programs is 10.  
  • Maximum of 80 participants per session.  
  • One chaperone per 10 students is admitted free; additional chaperones pay student price. 
  • Membership discounts do not apply to this program.  
  • Final head count is due 4 weeks before your scheduled visit 

PAYMENT:

  • Payment is due at least 4 weeks prior to the date of your visit. Unpaid reservations will be cancelled if payment is not received. 
  • Refunds will not be given for any unused portion of your reservation. 
  • Collection of funds and payment of all attendees is the responsibility of the group. Payment must be made to the Education Reservations personnel. 

CANCELLATIONS AND RESCHEDULES:

  • All cancellations forfeit the $50 deposit. 
  • Cancellations received less than 2 weeks prior to the program date must pay 50% of the total cost of the program. 
  • Reschedules must be made at least 2 weeks prior to your scheduled program date to avoid fees. 
  • Reschedules made less than 2 weeks before original date will result in the loss of original deposit. Another deposit is required. 
  • Educational Groups will not receive refunds for rain. For instances of severe inclement weather, please contact Education Reservations at 404.624.5822. 

LUNCH:

  • You can pre-order your lunch! For just $9.50 per person + tax, your group can order your choice of a pizza lunch drop-off or sandwich bag lunch drop-off, including apple slices, cookie, and a choice of bottled water or fruit juice! Please complete the order form and submit via email to specialevents@zooatlanta.org or by phone at 404.624.5995. Orders must be placed no later than 14 days prior to your visit. 
  • Group lunch storage is available in the Zoo at The Lunch Den, Monday through Friday, year-round near  Treetop Trail. Lunches must be in a labeled cooler/container and will need to be transported by the group; no carts are available. 

BUS PARKING

  • Please visit our Bus Parking webpage for a map of the drop-off location as well as directions to two pay lot options for parking. Bus parking is not available in the City of Atlanta public parking lots on Cherokee Avenue and Boulevard.  

ACCESSIBILITY

  • Zoo Atlanta welcomes all guests and makes every effort to ensure that our pathways, habitats and facilities are accessible, so you have a safe and enjoyable visit. For information on wheelchair rentals, resources for guests with sensory-processing needs, and more visit our Accessibility page.

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