Educator Resources and Programs
Teacher Professional Development | October 3, 9am-3pm | $50 per teacher
Student Challenge | Spring 2027 Dates Coming | $50 per student team
Animal enrichment materials and activities are a key component of keeping animals healthy at the Zoo. Enrichment comes in all shapes and sizes and is designed to stimulate natural behaviors and engage an animal’s body and brain.
The Animal Enrichment Challenge begins with a professional development session for educators in the fall, followed by student presentations in the spring.
For the Animal Enrichment Presentations, student teams will present their own enrichment ideas with posterboards and prototypes. Zoo staff will ask questions and give feedback to the students. Admission to the Zoo is included for the teams that day. The Animal Enrichment Challenge aligns with both the Indiana Academic Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.
*Teachers must participate in the Animal Enrichment Challenge Professional Development on Oct. 3 for students to be able to participate in the Student Enrichment Challenge in the spring of 2027. Cost includes participation in the event plus admission to the Zoo that day for the team. Maximum of two teams (up to three students each) per teacher.
June 21-23, 8:30am-3pm
Join us for the Conservation Educator Academy, where you can learn from experts in wildlife conservation and animal care. Collaborate with fellow educators, explore the Zoo, and create a visual journal to share with your students. This three-day program offers the opportunity to observe STEM practices firsthand, participate in special zoo tours and experiences, and engage in hands-on STEM activities that you can incorporate into your teaching.
Cost: $70 per person
Educators who participate in professional development provided by the Indianapolis Zoo will receive a certificate indicating the number of professional growth points awarded for their participation in the program. Each hour of professional development corresponds to one point towards an educator’s professional growth plan for state teacher license renewals.
Educator Appreciation Day
March 27, 2027: 9am-4pm
A special day at the Zoo to celebrate educators. We want to acknowledge and thank you for all you do for Indiana’s youth. Educators are free and can purchase discounted admission for additional guests for $15. Preregistration is required.
School Program Guide
Download the 2026-2027 School Program Guide for quick reference about all we have to offer schools and educators!
Species at the Zoo
Conservation of Wild Species
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