Summer Safari Camp

Our youngest campers will learn about wildlife and wild places in a way that is experiential and collaborative. Throughout each week, Junior Ranger campers will:

• Explore the Zoo
• Participate in hands-on activities to support the weekly themes
• Connect with their fellow campers and Camp Educator
• Meet some of our amazing Ambassador Animals
• Engage in a project that they can share with the rest of Camp at the end of each session!

Our 1:10 educator-to-camper ratio will give children a small and interactive space to learn, grow, and get excited about the natural world around them as they engage in thematic weekly programming.

Young explorers will expand their learning about wildlife and conservation to new levels! Trek campers will engage with Zoo Atlanta by:

• Exploring the Zoo grounds, including behind-the-scenes areas
• Participating in interactive activities that connect them to conservation and ecological principles
• Collaborating with their Camp Educator and fellow campers to dive more deeply into the vital work Zoo Atlanta does to protect wildlife and wild places

With a 1:10 educator-to-camper ratio, our campers will spend the summer immersed in five dynamic themes designed to help them better understand the natural world and discover how they can play a role in ensuring a future where humans and wildlife thrive together.

At the apex of Zoo Atlanta’s Camp programming, Quest campers will further inspire their passion for wildlife conservation by joining us for an exciting week of exploring what providing exceptional animal care looks like in an AZA-accredited facility. Throughout the summer, Quest campers will:

• Engage with a variety of Zoo team members to learn how we provide exceptional care to over 200 species of animals, including invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals from a wide range of ecosystems.
• Explore animal care spaces and learn how our care teams adjust for changes in animal abilities and behaviors over time.
• Gain insights into meeting the mental and physical needs of individual animals and discover how to design and maintain habitats.
• Meet with a unique Zoo team each week and engage in experiences and activities tailored to that care team.
• Deepen their knowledge of Zoo Atlanta’s commitment to protect wildlife and their habitats in the wild through conservation projects and partnerships.

Quest campers will gain a more profound understanding of wildlife care and conservation through interactive discussions, hands-on simulations, and live demonstrations of animal and habitat care in action. Each week this summer, Quest campers will meet and learn from a different Animal Care Team and explore corresponding behind-the-scenes areas.

Junior Rangers (Ages 5 - 7)

Naturally Native: Georgia has multiple regions, each with its own unique features and ecosystems. Having a range of ecosystems allows our state to support a diverse range of wildlife. Spend the week exploring our state with us as we learn about how native wildlife survives here. Then, we will get creative and try to decide which Zoo animals' adaptations would allow them to thrive in each region of Georgia if they were to live here in the wild alongside us! At the end of the week, we will show off our Zoo-tastic Georgia maps so all of our new Camp friends can see them! 

Trek (Ages 8 - 11)

Backyard Eco-Geography - Exploring Georgia's Geographical Regions and Native Wildlife: Georgia has multiple regions, each with their own unique features and ecosystems. This range of regions allows our state to support diverse wildlife, some of which are unique to one region, and others that can easily traverse them. Join us this week as we explore on grounds and behind the scenes to learn about local wildlife and how Zoo Atlanta supports Georgia natives as well as our global wildlife residents! At the end of the week, campers will present a food web showing how adding three of the Zoo's global animal species to Georgia's ecosystem would impact native wildlife.  

Quest (Ages 12 - 14)

Hoofstock: Zoo Atlanta’s Hoofstock Team dedicates their time, energy, and expertise to the care of some of the largest animals in the Zoo, including the southern white rhinos, reticulated giraffes, ostrich, and more. Join us this week as we take a closer look at what is involved in providing excellent care for these animals. Campers will learn about training, daily care tasks, and enrichment. Time not spent with the care team will be filled with hands-on activities designed to deepen campers’ understanding of working with large land animals. There will also be a few activities that are just for the fun of it! 

Junior Rangers (Ages 5 - 7)

Wildlife + Wild Places: As a part of our vision to pursue a world where humans and wildlife can flourish together, Zoo Atlanta supports a wide range of conservation projects that help protect wildlife and wild places. This week, campers will explore the species in our care that represent some of the work we and our partners are doing to protect their natural habitats and wild counterparts. As we explore, campers will work with their groups to focus in on the project that they find most interesting, and design a skit that demonstrates the work of that project for other campers to learn from. We will end our week by inviting all of Camp to watch each other's skits in an end-of-week theatrical spectacular! 

Trek (Ages 8 - 11)

Researching Relationships - Zoo Atlanta's Key Conservation Projects and Partners: As a part of our vision to pursue a world where humans and wildlife can flourish together, Zoo Atlanta supports a wide range of conservation projects that help protect wildlife and wild places. This week, campers will explore the species in our care that represent some of the work we and our partners are doing to protect their natural habitats and wild counterparts. As we explore both the public and behind the scenes areas of the Zoo, campers will choose a project that Zoo Atlanta is not currently partnering with and prepare a partnership proposal for our research team of fellow campers. They will present their proposals at an end-of-week Camp conservation spectacular! 

Quest (Ages 12 - 14)

Veterinary Care: When Zoo Atlanta's Veterinary Team is not busy providing world-class veterinary care for the hundreds of animals at the Zoo, they are actively collaborating with and contributing to the broader veterinary community! Quest campers will have the opportunity to explore The Rollins Animal Health Center, our new state-of-the-art veterinary complex, while gaining insights into how our Veterinary Team cares for the largest and smallest animals at Zoo Atlanta. Time not spent with the Veterinary Team will be filled with inquiry-based activities that will grant Quest campers a deeper understanding of what it means to work with our diverse animal population every day. And we will even take some time to participate in a few activities that are just for fun. 

Junior Rangers (Ages 5 - 7)

Dynamic Designs: At Zoo Atlanta, we are committed to constantly improving our ability to provide enriching environments for the animals in our care. One of the key components of this work is designing habitats that support the safety, comfort, and physical and mental well-being of an animal while encouraging natural behaviors. This week, campers will dive into the captivating world of habitat design, exploring the various elements that must be considered when creating an ideal living space for a wide range of species. They’ll learn how we adapt these habitats over time to accommodate the changing needs of the creatures that call them home. Working in groups, campers will develop a creative plan to design a habitat for a new-to-the-Zoo species of their choosing. Their innovative designs will be showcased in a special end-of-week presentation for their fellow campers, highlighting their hard work and creativity! Get ready for an engaging week of learning, collaboration, and imaginative habitat design! 

Trek (Ages 8 - 11)

Habitat Architects - Designing Habitats for Long-Term Wellbeing: Intentional habitat design plays a crucial role in creating safe, naturalistic environments that fulfill the needs of the animals in our care. Over time, as animals age and their requirements shift, zoo professionals adapt animals' habitats to better support these ever-evolving needs. Join us this week as we explore the variety of design elements used throughout the Zoo, discover how habitat design has changed over time in zoos, and design and present a comic strip illustrating where habitats could go in the future as zoos continue to adapt to an everchanging planet. At the end of the week, we will get together to present what we've been dreaming up with our groups to our fellow campers. We can't wait to share this week of history, zoological exploration, and habitat planning with you! 

Quest (Ages 12 - 14)

Primates: Some of Zoo Atlanta's most famous former residents include western lowland gorillas Willie B. and Ivan, who were both cared for by our amazing Primate Team. Join us for a week of exploring what care routines, research, training, enrichment, and habitat design look like for the diverse range of primates that Zoo Atlanta proudly stewards, from large animals like orangutans and gorillas to smaller creatures, such as golden lion tamarins, lemurs, and even sloths (which are not primates but which also fall under the care of this expert team). Time not spent with the Primate Care Team will be filled with hands-on activities designed to deepen campers’ understanding of what it means to work with these individuals every day, along with a few activities that are just for fun! 

Junior Rangers (Ages 5 - 7)

Stewardship Superstars: This week at Safari Camp, campers will learn about what it takes to care for animals on a daily basis. In the zoo world, we call this work "husbandry." Animal husbandry encompasses everything from feeding and training to cleaning in order to provide outstanding stewardship of the animals in our care. Campers will spend the week learning about best practices for ensuring animal wellbeing through world-class habitat management and animal care. Within their groups, campers will collaborate to design the ultimate husbandry relay for their favorite zoo animal. At the end of the week, we’ll host our own Zoolympics for campers to complete one another's relays. Most challenging relay wins! Join us for a wonderful week filled with teamwork, creativity, and a deep appreciation for animal care! 

Trek (Ages 8 - 11)

Creature Care - Wild Animal Stewardship Edition: Animal husbandry encompasses everything from feeding and training to cleaning in order to provide excellent stewardship of the animals in our care. Trek campers will engage in a week-long animal care simulation to explore what it's like to be a professional animal care specialist. Within their groups, campers will collaborate to design the ultimate husbandry relay that reflects the unique care needs for their favorite Zoo animal. At the end of the week, we'll host our own Zoolympics for campers to complete one another's husbandry relays. Most challenging relay wins! Join us for a week filled with teamwork, creativity, and a deep appreciation for animal care! 

Quest (Ages 12 - 14)

Herpetology: From teeny, tiny tadpoles to two of the world's largest snake species and the fabulous Komodo dragon, Zoo Atlanta's Herpetology Team specializes in the care of reptiles and amphibians. We are looking forward to spending the week learning from our in-house herpetology experts about what it looks like to care for, house, study, and enrich the lives of the scaliest and slimiest residents at the Zoo. When not with the Herpetology Care Team, Quest campers will engage in a variety of hands-on activities to enhance their understanding of what it means to work with our scaliest, slimiest animals every day, along with a few activities that are just for the fun of it.  

Junior Rangers (Ages 5 - 7)

Vibrant Vets: Atlanta's Veterinary Team is a remarkable group of dedicated professionals who provide exceptional care for nearly 200 species, from tiny invertebrates and amphibians to arboreal reptiles and massive land mammals. Throughout the week, campers will discover the innovative processes our veterinarians and veterinary technicians use to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the animals in our care. Campers will engage in creative problem-solving activities and collaborative challenges to see if they have what it takes to be a zoo vet! At the end of the week, campers will showcase their learning by presenting a unique animal care challenge inspired by real-life scenarios faced by our Veterinary Team. Using a mix of biological artifacts and craft materials, they’ll illustrate how our veterinarians tackle these challenges, helping their fellow campers learn about the critical work involved in animal care. Get ready for a week full of exploration, creativity, and fun at Zoo Atlanta! 

Trek (Ages 8 - 11)

Veterinary Vibes - Practices and Problems in Caring for Both Tiny and Tremendous Wildlife: Zoo Atlanta's Veterinary Team is a phenomenal group of dedicated and innovative individuals who care for the nearly 200 species in our animal population. This essential team must be resourceful, creative, and constantly adapting to the ever-changing needs of the animals in our care, from invertebrates to tiny amphibians, and arboreal reptiles to massive land mammals. This week, campers will explore some of the processes our veterinarians and veterinary technicians follow to provide top-notch care to every animal, while practicing their creative problem-solving skills and working collaboratively to see if they have what it takes to be a zoo vet. Trek campers will even get to walk behind the scenes to see where some of our animal care takes place! At the end of the week, using a combination of biological artifacts and assorted craft materials, campers will present an animal care challenge that our veterinarians have had to solve for their fellow campers to learn about. 

Quest (Ages 12 - 14)

Birds: Equipped with beaks big and small, bold feathers, and often larger-than-life personalities, the birds who call Zoo Atlanta home keep their care teams on their toes – especially when it comes to keeping their minds and bodies engaged through enrichment! Soar with us into a captivating week of animal engagement, bird edition!  When not with the Bird Care Team, Quest campers will take part in hands-on activities that support their understanding of what it means to work with our many feathered friends every day, along with a few activities that are just for fun. 

Junior Rangers (Ages 5 - 7)

Naturally Native: Georgia has multiple regions, each with its own unique features and ecosystems. Having a range of ecosystems allows our state to support a diverse range of wildlife. Spend the week exploring our state with us as we learn about how native wildlife survives here. Then, we will get creative and try to decide which Zoo animals' adaptations would allow them to thrive in each region of Georgia if they were to live here in the wild alongside us! At the end of the week, we will show off our Zoo-tastic Georgia maps so all of our new Camp friends can see them! 

Trek (Ages 8 - 11)

Backyard Eco-Geography - Exploring Georgia's Geographical Regions and Native Wildlife: Georgia has multiple regions, each with their own unique features and ecosystems. This range of regions allows our state to support diverse wildlife, some of which are unique to one region, and others that can easily traverse them. Join us this week as we explore on grounds and behind the scenes to learn about local wildlife and how Zoo Atlanta supports Georgia natives as well as our global wildlife residents! At the end of the week, campers will present a food web showing how adding three of the Zoo's global animal species to Georgia's ecosystem would impact native wildlife.  

Quest (Ages 12 - 14)

Horticulture: Naturalistic environments are important for both animal and human wellbeing. One of the ways Zoo Atlanta’s Horticulture Team creates these natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing spaces is through careful care and placement of plants! This week, join us as we get our hands dirty by diving into the many ways Zoo Atlanta uses plants to enrich and create ambience for the animals in our care and the humans who come to visit. When not with the Horticulture Team, Quest campers will participate in hands-on activities to bolster their understanding of what it means to work with varied plant species every day, along with a few activities that are just for fun. For this week of Quest Camp, a hat and sunglasses are HIGHLY recommended! 

Junior Rangers (Ages 5 - 7)

Wildlife + Wild Places: As a part of our vision to pursue a world where humans and wildlife can flourish together, Zoo Atlanta supports a wide range of conservation projects that help protect wildlife and wild places. This week, campers will explore the species in our care that represent some of the work we and our partners are doing to protect their natural habitats and wild counterparts. As we explore, campers will work with their groups to focus in on the project that they find most interesting, and design a skit that demonstrates the work of that project for other campers to learn from. We will end our week by inviting all of Camp to watch each other's skits in an end-of-week theatrical spectacular! 

Trek (Ages 8 - 11)

Researching Relationships - Zoo Atlanta's Key Conservation Projects and Partners: As a part of our vision to pursue a world where humans and wildlife can flourish together, Zoo Atlanta supports a wide range of conservation projects that help protect wildlife and wild places. This week, campers will explore the species in our care that represent some of the work we and our partners are doing to protect their natural habitats and wild counterparts. As we explore both the public and behind the scenes areas of the Zoo, campers will choose a project that Zoo Atlanta is not currently partnering with and prepare a partnership proposal for our research team of fellow campers. They will present their proposals at an end-of-week Camp conservation spectacular! 

Quest (Ages 12 - 14)

Elephants: African elephants, the largest of the three elephant species, are among the most distinctive animals on the planet! Quest campers will interact with Zoo Atlanta’s Elephant Care Team to learn about how they design habitats, provide specialized care, and create enriching activities for these enormous land mammals! When not with the care team, Quest campers will engage in experiential activities designed to bolster their understanding of what it means to work with these magnificent mammals every day, along with a few activities just for fun. 

Junior Rangers (Ages 5 - 7)

Dynamic Designs: At Zoo Atlanta, we are committed to constantly improving our ability to provide enriching environments for the animals in our care. One of the key components of this work is designing habitats that support the safety, comfort, and physical and mental well-being of an animal while encouraging natural behaviors. This week, campers will dive into the captivating world of habitat design, exploring the various elements that must be considered when creating an ideal living space for a wide range of species. They’ll learn how we adapt these habitats over time to accommodate the changing needs of the creatures that call them home. Working in groups, campers will develop a creative plan to design a habitat for a new-to-the-Zoo species of their choosing. Their innovative designs will be showcased in a special end-of-week presentation for their fellow campers, highlighting their hard work and creativity! Get ready for an engaging week of learning, collaboration, and imaginative habitat design! 

Trek (Ages 8 - 11)

Habitat Architects - Designing Habitats for Long-Term Wellbeing: Intentional habitat design plays a crucial role in creating safe, naturalistic environments that fulfill the needs of the animals in our care. Over time, as animals age and their requirements shift, zoo professionals adapt animals' habitats to better support these ever-evolving needs. Join us this week as we explore the variety of design elements used throughout the Zoo, discover how habitat design has changed over time in zoos, and design and present a comic strip illustrating where habitats could go in the future as zoos continue to adapt to an everchanging planet. At the end of the week, we will get together to present what we've been dreaming up with our groups to our fellow campers. We can't wait to share this week of history, zoological exploration, and habitat planning with you! 

Quest (Ages 12 - 14)

Carnivores: Lions, tigers, and bears, oh my! These toothy terrestrials require specialized care and environments to ensure their safety and the safety of their care teams. Join us this week as we explore what it takes to design healthy and functional habitats for the Zoo's carnivores. In addition to habitat design, campers will gain insight into how we can train and enrich such complex creatures. Time spent without the care team will be filled with hands-on activities to further campers’ understanding of what it means to work with large, carnivorous land animals every day, along with a few activities just for fun. 

Junior Rangers (Ages 5 - 7)

Stewardship Superstars: This week at Safari Camp, campers will learn about what it takes to care for animals on a daily basis. In the zoo world, we call this work "husbandry." Animal husbandry encompasses everything from feeding and training to cleaning in order to provide outstanding stewardship of the animals in our care. Campers will spend the week learning about best practices for ensuring animal wellbeing through world-class habitat management and animal care. Within their groups, campers will collaborate to design the ultimate husbandry relay for their favorite zoo animal. At the end of the week, we’ll host our own Zoolympics for campers to complete one another's relays. Most challenging relay wins! Join us for a wonderful week filled with teamwork, creativity, and a deep appreciation for animal care! 

Trek (Ages 8 - 11)

Creature Care - Wild Animal Stewardship Edition: Animal husbandry encompasses everything from feeding and training to cleaning in order to provide excellent stewardship of the animals in our care. Trek campers will engage in a week-long animal care simulation to explore what it's like to be a professional animal care specialist. Within their groups, campers will collaborate to design the ultimate husbandry relay that reflects the unique care needs for their favorite Zoo animal. At the end of the week, we'll host our own Zoolympics for campers to complete one another's husbandry relays. Most challenging relay wins! Join us for a week filled with teamwork, creativity, and a deep appreciation for animal care! 

Quest (Ages 12 - 14)

Ambassador Animals: One of the perks of visiting Zoo Atlanta on any given day is the prospect of getting to interact with one of our Ambassador Animals. These animals help us build personal connections and provide unique and interactive experiences to our guests. Join us for a week of learning about how Zoo Atlanta's Ambassador Animals Team cares for this unique portion of our population. Campers will get to explore how we work collaboratively across departments to care for, train, and enrich the daily lives of animals ranging from chinchillas and red-tailed boa constrictors to tarantulas and tiny tenrecs. Time not spent with the care team will be filled with hands-on activities that support our understanding of what it means to work with these unique animal colleagues every day, along with a few activities that are just for the fun of it!  

Junior Rangers (Ages 5 - 7)

Vibrant Vets: Atlanta's Veterinary Team is a remarkable group of dedicated professionals who provide exceptional care for nearly 200 species, from tiny invertebrates and amphibians to arboreal reptiles and massive land mammals. Throughout the week, campers will discover the innovative processes our veterinarians and veterinary technicians use to meet the diverse and evolving needs of the animals in our care. Campers will engage in creative problem-solving activities and collaborative challenges to see if they have what it takes to be a zoo vet! At the end of the week, campers will showcase their learning by presenting a unique animal care challenge inspired by real-life scenarios faced by our Veterinary Team. Using a mix of biological artifacts and craft materials, they’ll illustrate how our veterinarians tackle these challenges, helping their fellow campers learn about the critical work involved in animal care. Get ready for a week full of exploration, creativity, and fun at Zoo Atlanta! 

Trek (Ages 8 - 11)

Veterinary Vibes - Practices and Problems in Caring for Both Tiny and Tremendous Wildlife: Zoo Atlanta's Veterinary Team is a phenomenal group of dedicated and innovative individuals who care for the nearly 200 species in our animal population. This essential team must be resourceful, creative, and constantly adapting to the ever-changing needs of the animals in our care, from invertebrates to tiny amphibians, and arboreal reptiles to massive land mammals. This week, campers will explore some of the processes our veterinarians and veterinary technicians follow to provide top-notch care to every animal, while practicing their creative problem-solving skills and working collaboratively to see if they have what it takes to be a zoo vet. Trek campers will even get to walk behind the scenes to see where some of our animal care takes place! At the end of the week, using a combination of biological artifacts and assorted craft materials, campers will present an animal care challenge that our veterinarians have had to solve for their fellow campers to learn about. 

Quest (Ages 12 - 14)

Hoofstock: Zoo Atlanta’s Hoofstock Team dedicates their time, energy, and expertise to the care of some of the largest animals in the Zoo, including the southern white rhinos, reticulated giraffes, ostrich, and more. Join us this week as we take a closer look at what is involved in providing excellent care for these animals. Campers will learn about training, daily care tasks, and enrichment. Time not spent with the care team will be filled with hands-on activities designed to deepen campers’ understanding of working with large land animals. There will also be a few activities that are just for the fun of it!