Circuses | Zoo Field Trips | Zoo Checklist

Zoo Field Trip Checklist

If you're planning a field trip to a zoo, why not make it a really educational experience by having your students do some research and evaluation of the zoo? These questions are some you might want to include.

Pre-Trip Evaluation

• What species of animals will be viewed?
• What kind of habitat do these animals live in?
• What is the normal climate like (temperature range, precipitation amounts, etc.) in each of the animals’ home territories?
• How much range area does each animal typically require in its native environment?
• What do each of the animals eat in the wild?
• What is the typical life span of each species in the wild?

On-Site Impressions

General Impression

• Do the animal appear healthy and energetic?
• Are the staff willing to answer questions about the animals’ origin and care?
• Do the staff treat the animals with respect and affection?
• Are the facilities clean?
• Is clean water available at all times?

Animal Habitat

• Do the animals have sufficient room to exercise?
• Does the enclosure try to mimic the natural habitat from the particular animals’ native land?
• What provisions exist for protection from extreme weather conditions?
• Are there items in the enclosure for the animals to relieve their boredom?
• Are there private areas where the animals can get away from public view?
• Is there suitable shade and windbreaks?

Public Safety

• Is there adequate fencing with physical separation between the public and the animals?
• Are there signs warning of the dangers of interacting with the animals?

Animal Care & Safety

• Are the animals given appropriate food?
• Is clean water available at all times?
• Do any animals seem ill or have untended injuries?

Educational Value

• Are there signs to indicate species and habitat information?
• Is any information available to indicate how the animals arrived at the zoo?
• Were zoo staff knowledgeable and willing to answer questions?

Post-trip Summary

• Write out your overall impression of how the animals were treated at the zoo. Do you think they’re better or worse off at the zoo than they would be in the wild? Explain your reasons.