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SCHOOL PROGRAMS

INSPIRING OTHERS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE THROUGH LIVE ANIMAL EXPERIENCES

Once in a Wild is proud to partner with school districts in our community to bring the Zoo to your classroom! Our mission is to inspire students to make a difference through live animal experiences! Our professional team of Zookeepers is ready to support your STEAM, SEL, PBL, and extracurricular efforts through our onsite and virtual live animal encounters. Learn more about how we can BRING THE ZOO TO YOU by browsing our catalog or scheduling a virtual meeting to learn more!

THE ONCE IN A WILD DIFFERENCE

Participants will easily notice how each animal has their own unique personality. Whether it’s a rambunctious rabbit, a loveable lizard, an amazing axolotl, or a terrific tortoise, they’re sure to spark plenty of interest from students and teachers alike! We explain each animal’s natural habitat, adaptations, quirky characteristics and most importantly, what food they like to eat! This stimulates a child’s imagination beyond our comprehension.

Not only are our staff very educated, knowledgeable and experienced in animal care, but we also offer fun, clean and safe animal programs for every student and animal involved. We are not a traditional petting zoo and can set up either indoors or outdoors depending on your requirements. Trained staff is always present to ensure the safety and comfort of the students (and our animals). We are always available to answer any questions you may have. Learning about animals has never been so fun and easy!

TEKS ALIGNED

Once in a Wild’s school programs were designed by a group of elementary school teachers to bring your science and biology curriculum to life. We offer a variety of customized quizzes, videos, and other activities aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Every child gets an up-close encounter so that they can view up-close and personal, and in some occasions even pet the animals and observe their behaviors. We also encourage active learning through crowd participation and repetition. Book our safe, clean, and TEKS-aligned after-school and classroom programs for your school. Your students will love our unique, hands-on learning experiences.

STEAM BASED PACKAGES

Once in a Wild STEAM packages were designed with the intention of providing students with multisensory opportunities for learning! Our real-life animal ambassadors will help immerse students in the real world science concepts they’ve been learning about in class; covering topics such as: animal characteristics and adaptations, food chains, environments and environmental changes, environmental interactions and effects, and much much more! Our 45 minute lesson plans are TEKS based, and prioritize the review of academic vocabulary, cross-curricular concepts, highly tested readiness, and support standards in Math, Science, and ELAR.

WHAT’S INCLUDED: All of our STEAM based packages include a visit from at least THREE of our live animal ambassadors, and come complete with TEKS based lesson plans, student exit tickets, and supplemental resources, so that students and teachers can continue the joy of learning in the classroom (even after we have left!)

METHOD OF DELIVERY: Our certified Zookeepers will visit your campus in person to handle and introduce students to our animal ambassadors, and will deliver the 45 minute lesson of the day.

LESSON PLANS FOR GRADES:

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Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Based Packages

OUR SCHOOL PARTNERS ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE PRIORITIZING SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING, AND SO ARE WE.

With the help of our live animal ambassadors, we are bringing awareness to the top 5 competencies of SEL:

• Self Awareness • Self Management

• Social Awareness • Relationship Skills

• Responsible

Decision-Making Our 45 minute lesson plans prioritize the review of concepts, vocabulary, and most importantly skills that students can immediately apply to practice self regulation and social responsibility.

WHAT’S INCLUDED: All of our SEL based packages include a visit from at least THREE of our live animal ambassadors, and come complete with competency based lesson plans, student exit tickets, and supplemental resources, so that students and teachers can continue the joy of learning in the classroom (even after we have left!)

METHOD OF DELIVERY: Our certified Zookeepers will visit your campus in person to handle and introduce students to our animal ambassadors, and will deliver the 45 minute lesson of the day.

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BENEFITS

For Everyone

  • A lot of fun for all ages
  • Learn about animals while you pet them
  • Hands-on experience with unique animals
  • Learn to develop connection, trust, & empathy

For Therapy

  • Cognitive enrichment through reminiscing
  • Providing sensory experiences
  • Lessens anxiety
  • Lessens fears and phobias

For Schools

  • Affordable alternative to an offsite visit
  • Great for fundraisers and parent nights
  • Relaxing activity for the teachers
  • Great hands-on teaching aide

For Business

  • Brand awareness & activation
  • Newsworthy content
  • Social media opportunities
  • Data collection
  • Attracts crowds

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

LIBRARY PACKAGES

Imagine reading the Harry Potter series to your students as Rango, the Eurasian Eagle Owl enters the room! Or their surprise as JoAnna the Green Iguana attends your reading of “I Wanna Iguana”? Or what if your lesson on “Charlotte’s Web” could be paired with Blondie, our real life Arizona Blonde Tarantula!?

Our Library package experiences were designed to make the magic of literature come to LIFE at your campus! It’s a perfect package for Literacy Night, Read Across America, and more!

WHAT’S INCLUDED: This multisensory experience includes a visit from at least THREE of our most popular animal ambassadors that are often found in literature! Our zookeepers will also be there to provide an oral lesson on their traits and characteristics as needed.

METHOD OF DELIVERY: This can be a 1 to 3 hour, onsite encounter.

ART BASED PACKAGES

Animals make some of the BEST artists or photographers models in the world! We have a wide variety of animal species that are sure to bring a splash of diversity and uniqueness to your art studio or photography class! (Not to mention an array of colors, patterns, and shapes!)

WHAT’S INCLUDED: This artistic experience includes a visit from at least THREE of our best posing animal ambassadors and an oral lesson on their traits and characteristics from our certified Zookeepers. (Art supplies not included)

METHOD OF DELIVERY: This can be a 1 to 3 hour, onsite encounter.

PRICING

HALF DAY

$1700.00
  • 125 students
  • 3 x 45min Classes
  • Lesson Plan
  • Exit Tickets

FULL DAY

$2500.00
  • 275 Students
  • 6 x 45min Classes
  • Lesson Plan
  • Exit Tickets

LIBRARY & ART PACKAGE

$325.00
  • 1 hr
  • 3 Animal Presentation
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Watch Our Livestream

EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 6:30 PM CST

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

The best way to help our animals is by scheduling your own animal encounter! You can also help us by spreading the word about what we do, leaving a positive review, and following us on social media. Other donations to our Animal Care Fund can be made in cash, or via Venmo or CashApp (@onceinawild or $onceinawild). We also have an Amazon wish list on our website, and a Patreon account where you can sponsor our animals. Additionally, we accept donations in the form of supplies from the public as well. If you have more questions, please contact 210-445-5240 to find out more. Every little bit helps. Thank you!

READY FOR A WILD ENCOUNTER?

Book your next Petting Zoo, Meet and Greet, Show and Tell, or Virtual Experience now! Perfect for parties, classrooms, corporate events, animal therapy sessions, and much more!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How many guests can attand a Once in a Wild event?

A: Every appearance that Once in a Wild conducts is fully customizable. We can often accommodate large crowds, or small gatherings too. There are certain types of animal encounters that work well for large groups, such as a Petting Zoo, or a Meet & Greet. There are also other encounters, such as a Show & Tell, which are more suited to groups of 40 attendants or less. (However, please always feel welcome to inquire with us about your particular event.)

Q: Can we take photos during our animal encounter?

A: Yes! We definitely allow photos, and highly recommend that you capture as many memories as possible. Every encounter that we conduct will provide time to take photos of and with the animals that attend. Please tag us @onceinawildzoo and use the hashtag #onceinawildzoo on Instagram!

Q: How far can you travel?

A: This is always a case-by-case scenario. Please contact us at 210-445-5240 if you are outside of the San Antonio, and immediate surrounding cities area. Travel fees apply to some locations, and are calculated by distance. We offer virtual animal encounters conducted via Zoom for our clientele outside of our travel zone.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

Check out our FAQ’S page for more information!

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E-COLORING & ACTIVITY BOOK!

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