SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Reverse Field Trips for San Antonio Schools
Once in a Wild brings trained animal experts and live animal ambassadors directly to your campus, so students get the excitement of a real field trip — without the buses, transportation costs, or off-campus planning.
- On-campus visits, indoors or outdoors, built around your schedule
- TEKS, STEAM, SEL, and literacy-friendly program options
- Serving San Antonio schools, districts, and educational organizations
Real animals. Real learning. Right on your campus.
LIMITED TIME: 10% JULY DISCOUNT
July Promo: Save 10% on 2+ Hour Animal Experience!
What to expect
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!
- Indoor or outdoor setup depending on your space and weather
- Programs run by trained staff, with education, animal safety and student safety prioritized
- Students get an up-close experience and may have limited hands-on opportunities depending on the animals and setting
- We can rotate through classes and keep transitions smooth with your staff’s help
HOW IT WORKS
Easy to Plan, Easy to Run
Tell us about your campus
Share your date, student count, grade levels, and program goals. Takes less than 2 minutes.
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We build the schedule
We design the experience around your grade levels, class rotation, and timing.
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We show up ready to go
Our team brings the animals, lead every session, and handle all the setup.
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School Program Packages
Pick the format that fits your campus schedule.
HALF DAY
Best for: Grade-level enrichment, STEAM days, school assemblies
- Up to 125 students
- 3 x 45-minute classes
- Lesson plan support + student exit tickets
- Live animal ambassadors
$1350.00(approx. $10.80/student)
REQUEST HALF DAY AVAILABILITY
FULL DAY
Best for: Whole-campus enrichment days, district events, STEM nights
- Up to 275 students
- 6 x 45-minute classes
- Lesson plan support + student exit tickets
- Live animal ambassadors
$2500.00(approx. $9.10/student)
REQUEST FULL DAY AVAILABILITY
LIBRARY & ART PACKAGES
Best for: Literacy nights, Read Across America, art class visits, family events
- 1 hour
- Live animal presentation (minimum of three animal ambassadors)
- Optional educational talk on traits, habitats, and adaptations
$400.00
REQUEST LIBRARY/ART AVAILABILITY
Pick the format that fits your campus schedule.
Want a custom plan? We can quote larger student counts or special events.
CALL US: 830-505-1142
What students learn
Built for Real Classrooms (TEKS-Aligned Options)
Our programs were designed with input from educators to support science, vocabulary, and real-world learning. Students don’t just “watch.” They participate, observe, ask questions, and connect what they’re learning to real animals.
Science & Adaptations
- Habitats
- Traits
- Food chains
- Environments
For Therapy
- Guided discussion
- Repetition
- Crowd participation
For Schools
- Empathy
- Self-awareness
- Responsible decision-making
Program Focus Options
Your campus can choose the focus that matches what you’re teaching right now.
STEAM-Based Animal Encounters
What it covers:
- Animal characteristics and adaptations
- Food chains and ecosystems
- Environmental changes and interactions
- Cross-curricular connections (Math, Science, ELAR)
What’s included:
- Minimum three animal ambassadors
- Lesson plan support + exit tickets + supplemental resources
- 45-minute onsite session led by a certified zookeeper
SEL-Based Animal Encounters
Our SEL experiences use animal encounters to help students practice real skills they can apply immediately.
What it covers:
- Self-awareness
- Self-management
- Social awareness
- Relationship skills
- Responsible decision-making
What it covers:
- Minimum three animal ambassadors
- Competency-based lesson support + exit tickets + resources
- 45-minute onsite session led by a certified zookeeper
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
SCHOOLS & STUDENTS LOVE
Zoo Club
(Afterschool Program)
An 8-week afterschool program that builds curiosity, empathy, and foundational zoology knowledge through hands-on encounters.
Students get to explore fascinating animal behaviors and habitats while learning biology and zoology through interactive encounters.
More than just an afterschool program, Zoo Club is a journey of discovery that teaches kids about the importance of empathy and encourages them to be good stewards of nature.
- Interactive learning with certified zookeepers and animal ambassadors
- Zoo Club t-shirt for each registered student
- 8-week course, 1 session per week
- Up to 30 of our amazing animal ambassadors
LIBRARY PACKAGES (Perfect for Literacy Nights)
Pair beloved books with animal ambassadors often found in literature for a memorable, multisensory literacy experience.
Imagine reading the Harry Potter series to your students as Rango, the Eurasian Eagle Owl enters the room! 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.
Request School Program Availability
Tell us your date, student count, and grade level. We’ll confirm availability and recommend the best package for your schedule. Dates fill quickly during peak school seasons. Submit your details and we’ll hold your spot while we finalize the plan.
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You submit the form (1–2 minutes)
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We confirm availability and package fit
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You get a clear quote and next steps to lock it in
Questions or need a custom student count? Call 830-505-1142
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!
