Como Park Zoo and Conservatory - EdZoocation Programs

Outcome #1 – Increase participant numbers for on-site and off-site programs. Over 4,000 children, plus their adults have participated in the 34 weeks of Lil’ Explorer Thursdays from January-April 2012. Nature’s Engineer’s was offered to 22 groups, educating over 475 students.Outcome #2 – Increase knowledge in conservation and make connection between living things in our lives. Each week, Como’s education staff asked families and children about their experience. The feedback was always positive, with many adults asking for additional brochures to give to friends and family. Some adults provided suggestions for improvement such as more sensory tubs or activates.Outcome #3 – Provide meaningful programs and opportunities to expand knowledge and experienceIn April 2012, adults were encouraged to complete a survey either by hand during Lil’ Explorers or online to provide more in-depth feedback. Eighty-six percent of the adults agreed or somewhat agreed that the activitiescreated an appreciation for nature, that their child learned something new during the experience, and that it taught their child something about plants and animals. Eighty-two percent reported their children talked about the experience during the same day or week.Outcome #4 – Meet and exceed guest expectationsOverall, Lil’ Explorers was a favorable experience. Sixty-four percent of the adults visited more than one Lil’ Explorers, with several families attending every single week. One hundred percent of the participants reported they would recommend Lil’ Explorers to others.