Young people, ages 5-16, are fascinated with the Wild Adventure programming at Southwick’s Zoo in Mendon, and registration is open now for these popular summer activities that begin June 24.

“These educational programs, organized by Earth Limited, offer children the perfect opportunity to explore Southwick’s Zoo and learn through hands-on activities,” said Betsey Brewer Bethel, founder of Earth Limited.

Your young adventurers will get to experience some of the zoo’s animals up close and personal, learn about animal behaviors that help animals survive, become familiar with different habitats, learn about our ecosystem and visit local wetlands to experience native wildlife.

During the exciting three-day mini-programs (9 a.m. to noon), kindergartners will learn about mammals, birds, amphibians and reptiles and the characteristics that make each animal unique. Children will train ride through the North American exhibit and wetlands, learn through hands-on games and activities, enjoy arts and crafts and meet a few of EARTH’s animal ambassadors face-to-face in the EARTH Discovery Center.

Each day of the Adventures & Ecosystems weeklong programs for fourth- and fifth-graders will focus on different habitats animals call home. Students will learn many different adaptations that help animals survive in their habitat, explore local wetlands and catch frogs, understand how zookeepers create stimulating environments for the zoo’s primates, experience live birds-of-prey presentations and have giraffe and rhino encounters.

The popular Teen Zoology program is ideal for older children (Grades 7-9) who are interested in learning about careers in biology, zoology or similar fields. Students learn about the ins and outs of running a zoo in addition to attending off-site excursions, including a whale watch and a visit to the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine and Wildlife Clinic at Tufts University. Other highlights include learning about bird training and having rhino and giraffe encounters.

“These are such valuable programs,” Bethel said. “They teach children respect for nature and our different animals, which is so important since young children are the stewards of our future.”

Visit www.earthltd.org to discover more and sign up, or email Wild Adventures program director Bob Clark at earthltdsummerprogram@gmail.com.

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