ZooSchool

For Grades 1-8: one adult required for every 8 students

For Grades 9-12: one adult is required for every 10 students

Maximum number of chaperones per class : 8

On the day of your program, you may pay for any additional students or adults (to the group maximum) at the Education Office. Payment must be made before the students or adults join the program. We can only accept credit cards.

Please note that any adults above the maximums may enjoy the Zoo during the program but will have to pay the standard Zoo admission at the Main entrance. Teachers are responsible for making arrangements for these parents.

We are sorry, but absolutely no siblings (including children in strollers) are allowed to attend your program. Parents with siblings may enjoy the Zoo during the program but will have to pay the standard Zoo admission for themselves and the siblings. Teachers are responsible for making arrangements for these parents.

Because we have planned and staffed your program for the number of participants you originally requested, we are unable to provide refunds if you have fewer participants on the day of your program.

Zoo Membership does not apply to ZooSchool programs; as this program is separate from regular Zoo Admission.

We are sorry, but because our program schedule is very tight, we may not be able to accommodate your program if you are more than 15 minutes late for your start time.

If you think you may be late, please call our Operations Coordinator, Eunice Hui, immediately at (510) 632-9525 x219 to see what arrangements can be made.

Although we cannot offer a refund if you do miss your program, we may be able to reschedule it for some other time during the same school year.

ZooSchool programs take place rain or shine. Although we have “rainy day” curriculum for days with severe weather, we take students into the Zoo even when it rains. So please make sure your students are dressed appropriately. Programs will be rescheduled when the zoo is closed during inclement weather conditions for the safety of guests and exhibited animals.

Please feel free to photograph or videotape our presentation.

One change to your reservation date can be made (depending on availability) as long as it is requested at least 30 days prior to your originally scheduled program.

Should you need to make a change, we will gladly work with you to reschedule a date for later in the same school year, pending availability, and any previous payments will be applied to the new reservation.

We can accept purchase orders, check, and credit card payments 30-days prior to the reservation date.

Yes. Schools in the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD)—that receive Title 1 funds—qualify for our Zoo-to-Community program. Designed to make Oakland Zoo and select Oakland Zoo School Programs more accessible, Zoo-to-Community provides Title 1 schools with free access to Oakland Zoo, providing program funds and space are available. Transportation costs may also be covered if funds are available.

When you fill out your reservation request form, please indicate that you're interested in receiving Zoo-to-Community support. Our staff will contact you to confirm details. If Zoo-to-Community funds are available and you'd like to make a reservation, a non-refundable deposit of $100 is required.

Due to our commitment to the Oakland community, requests coming from outside of the Oakland Unified School District will not be considered.