Each of our overnight programs are unique adventures that create opportunities for exciting experiences, a deeper connection with wildlife, and a night your group won’t forget! Explore our program offerings below to find the overnight program that best fits your group’s needs. Animal AdaptationsAfrica Predator ProwlSleep with the ManateesNEW! Twiga Tented Camp Animal Adaptations (Grades 2 & up) Why do owls have such big eyes? Why are most cats nocturnal? Groups will investigate the physical and behavioral adaptations of animals and how adaptation diversity in different habitats is the key to survival. Learn about the adaptations of our education animal ambassadors during a live animal encounter, take a night hike to visit some our our nocturnal animal residents, get a glimpse behind the scenes of what it takes to care for our zoo animal residents, and discover adaptations in an exciting and interactive ways! more info How much does Animal Adaptations cost? $40.00 per participant (*Teachers bringing school groups are free!) $30.00 per participant if evening only program for K-1 starting March 1st, 2017 Where will you sleep? Animal Adaptations sleeps in the Harold C. Schott Education Center classrooms Minimum group size is 15 participants, including chaperones Maximum group size is 120 participants, including chaperones What will you learn? During the Animal Adaptations Overnight we will investigate the definition of adaptation. An adaptation is a physical or behavioral characteristic that helps an animal or plant survive and reproduce in its habitat. For example, a Night Monkey’s huge eyes allow it to see better at night, and the Honey Bee Waggle Dance shows other bees where food is! On your overnight, you will: Understand how physical and behavioral adaptations ensure survival Appreciate the diversity of animals and their adaptations Understand the specific adaptations of Nocturnal Animals Test your skill as a nocturnal animal Africa Predator Prowl (Grades 2 & up) Prowl the Zoo at night searching for predators of Africa and beyond while learning about the vital role predators play in an ecosystem and how humans and predators can coexist together. Groups will interact with some of our African education animal ambassadors, go on a night hike through the Zoo in search of African predators, get a peek behind the scenes to see what it takes to care for our African animal residents, and do a hands-on investigation exploring predation techniques in the African Savannah more info How much does African Predator Prowl cost? $40.00 per participant (*Teachers bringing school groups are free). Where will you sleep? Africa Predator Prowl – Sleeping in the new Harold C. Schott Education Center Minimum group size is 15 participants, including chaperones. Maximum group size is 120 participants, including chaperones. What will you learn? During Africa Predator Prowl we will prowl the Zoo for predators, explore the intricate food webs that support these animals and learn what role humans have played in the lives of predators over the centuries. Explore food-webs and uncover the broad implications when the balance is disrupted. Determine what a predator’s role is and discuss how predators around the world have been impacted by changes in their environment. Discover the legacies of predators in Africa and how these animals have fared over the generations Explore modern challenges of wildlife management, and species’ success stories. Sleep with the Manatees (Grades 2 & up) Explore the diversity of life on Earth while spending the night with our resident manatees! Groups will meet some of our diverse animal ambassadors from both the United States and beyond, take a night hike to explore the diversity at the Zoo, take a peek behind the scenes to see what it takes to care for our diverse zoo animal residents, and drift off to sleep with our current resident manatees at your feet. more info How much does Sleep with the Manatees Cost? $45.00 per participant (*Teachers bringing school groups are free). Where will you sleep? Sleep with the Manatees sleeps in the Manatees Springs building. Minimum group size is 15 participants, including chaperones. Maximum group size is 60 participants, including chaperones. What will you learn? On your overnight, you will explore: Biodiversity, where it can be found and how we play a significant role in protecting it Eco-regions, specifically the Florida Everglades, and how relationships within make them so significant The Florida manatee, discover why it is endangered and what you can do to help Human impact to biodiversity NEW! Twiga Tented Camp (Grade 2 & up) Transport yourself to Africa during this brand new tented camp overnight experience at the Zoo! Built on the edge of the newly expanded Giraffe exhibit, Twiga Tented Camp offers an intimate, high-end, and authentic African adventure at the Zoo including special encounters with African animals, unique behind the scenes tours, comfortable cots in safari tents, a continental breakfast, and so much more! *Available April – October more info How much does Twiga Tented Camp cost? $750 per tent Each tent sleeps up to 10 individuals with up to 4 tents available There is a 1 tent minimum for this overnight, but there is no minimum participation required Where will you sleep? Each of our 4 African safari tents sleeps up to 10 people on comfortable cot bunk beds Twiga Tented Camp sits on the edge of Giraffe Ridge which provides a stunning close-up with our giraffes in the morning when you exit your tent! What will you experience? On your overnight, you will experience: An experiential program that will transport you to Africa through unique opportunities only available for Twiga overnights Special encounters with African zoo animals A special behind-the-scenes peek with one of our Africa exhibit residents A provided bonfire snack and continental catered breakfast A bonding experience with your friends and family you will never forget! To get more information or to register for an overnight, fill out this online request form or call the Education Department at (513) 559-7767.