Exploring Conservation Science Program

Thank you for your interest in scheduling the Exploring Conservation Science program (ECS) at the San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research (ICR).

This packet is provided to ensure that you and your group are prepared for the upcoming field trip.

If you have any additional questions that cannot be answered in this packet, please contact ConservationEducation@sandiegozoo.org or

Josie Fox at 760-747-8702 x5738

Table of Contents: Teacher Checklist: You must complete the checklist prior to your visit..………………………….….2

Chaperone Responsibilities: Please make copies for your chaperones…….………………………….3

Waivers: These MUST be signed in advance and handed in the day of your program (ENGLISH).4

Waivers: These MUST be signed in advance and handed in the day of your program (SPANISH)..5

Safari Park Information: Including chaperone ratios and any associated fees……..………….……6

Bus Schedule and Directions to the Safari Park..………………………………..…………………….….7

Directions to the ECS meeting point (Locator 10)..………………….……………………………….…..8

Submitting Payment Info and Trip Costs..………….……………………………………..………………9

Recommended Resources……………………………………………………………………..………..…….9

Setting the Group up for Success (and Logistics)…………………………………………………………10

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Dear Teacher: Please read through the packet of information included here, and follow the directions on this page to make sure your group is ready for their upcoming field trip.

Complete the on-line Exploring Conservation Science Reservation Form. Dates cannot be held via emails or phone calls, you must submit your form to reserve a date. All requests are first come first served. Contact ConservationEducation@sandiegozoo.org to obtain on-line link.

Please make sure all bus and/or personal vehicle drivers have copies of the correct directions to the Safari Park. Please allow about 15 minutes each way for walking time from the entrance of the park to the meeting point at Locator 10.

Teacher Checklist

Prepare yourself and your students for the visit to our research facility. We require that students and adults wear closed-toed shoes while participating in the ECS program. Please remind students to dress comfortably for walking and being outdoors since part of their day will be spent at the Safari Park. (See page 10 to set your students up for success.)

Make copies of the chaperone responsibilities sheet and distribute to your chaperones. Please note that the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and the Exploring Conservation Lab require a minimum of one adult chaperone for every ten students and we request that chaperones are at least 25 years of age as well as one CREDENTIALED TEACHER present in each lab. It is important that chaperones remain with their groups at all times while visiting the Safari Park.

Make copies of the liability waivers and distribute this to your students. A signed copy for each person (including all adult chaperones) must be brought on the day of the trip for admittance to the lab. You will not be allowed to enter the lab without properly signed liability waivers (please make sure these forms go with the morning lab group if applicable).

You will receive a final confirmation with an order number that you will need to bring with you on the day of your visit. Schools within San Diego County receive free admission during regular school days or non-peak days, while out of County and peak days are charged a discounted fee of $10.00/person. (If you have not received a confirmation with your order number within 3 weeks prior to your visit, please contact ConservationEducation@sandiegozoo.org or call Josie at 760-747-8702 ext. 5738

Thank you for visiting the Institute for Conservation Research and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park!

Exploring Conservation Science Program

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Chaperone Responsibilities

It is important for your students to understand that the Institute for Conservation Research is a workplace. This means the students need to

remain quiet and orderly in the hallways, and follow the guidelines below.

Dear Chaperone:

Thank you for supervising students on a field trip to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park and Institute for Conservation Research (ICR). Please follow the directions on this page to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

✦ All groups will be met at Locator 10 located inside the Safari Park (please see pg. 8) where a staff member will meet you. Please remind your group that this is not a good time to view the animals or exhibits, it is important to stay together as a group to ensure you make it to your meeting point on time.

✦ Please accompany students to the bathrooms. We ask that your students use the restroom PRIOR to heading over to the ICR to maximize their time in the lab. However, if the students still need to use the restroom at our facility we ask that a chaperone accompany the student to ensure that there is no horseplay in the restroom or loitering in the halls.

✦ While visiting the Conservation Education Lab, students are not to touch equipment, countertops, or sinks unless told that it is OK to do so. Hazardous chemicals are occasionally used in our lab, and for the protection of both your students and our scientists, students must keep their hands to themselves.

✦ Cell phone, iPods and other electronic devices should not be visible during the lab. Cameras are permitted, but should not become a distraction.

✦ Please stay with your group at all times while walking through the ICR and Safari Park. This is a mandatory policy; students must be supervised by an adult at all times.

✦ Students must behave in a respectful and appropriate manner while viewing and interacting with animals in the Safari Park. Feeding or touching animals is strictly prohibited unless otherwise stated. Please do not allow students to tap on the glass of enclosures, throw things into enclosures, yell or make loud sounds at the animals.

✦ If you arrive in your own vehicles, you must park in the Safari Park parking lot (notify the parking attendant which school you are from to receive free parking) enter into the Safari Park and walk with your students to Locator 10 where a staff member will meet you. Please keep your group quiet and calm while waiting. When walking down to the ICR, it is especially important that students stay on the designated walkways and maintain a low level of noise.

✦ If students are being disruptive in the classroom please help the instructor by giving a warning to the student that they may be moved to another area or be taken out of the classroom. Students should be very respectful to their instructors at all times.

Exploring Conservation Science Lab

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MANDATORYFORFIELDTRIPPARTICIPATION

ZOOLOGICALSOCIETYOFSANDIEGOD/B/ASANDIEGOZOOGLOBAL(“ZSSD”)

WAIVER,RELEASE,ANDINDEMNITYAGREEMENT(“Waiver”)

Student’sName:_________________________________________________________(“Student”)

For good and valuable considera<on, including ZSSD’s agreement to permit Student to par<cipate in the field trip ac<vi<es(“Ac<vi<es”) at ZSSD’s San Diego Zoo Ins<tute for Conserva<on Research, San Diego Zoo Safari Park, and/or San Diego Zoo(“Premises”),Studentherebyfreely,voluntarily,andwithoutduressexecutesthisWaiverunderthefollowingterms:

1. Studentassumesallrisksassociatedwithpar<cipa<onintheAc<vi<es,includinginjuriesorillnesstopersonanddamageorlosstoproperty.

2. Studentunderstandsandagreesthatforanyinjury,illness,propertydamage,orlosssufferedorsustainedbyStudentthatisinanyway associatedwith par<cipa<on in the Ac<vi<es, Student does hereby, for him or herself, his/her heirs, administrators, andexecutors, forever WAIVE, RELEASE, DISCHARGE and HOLD HARMLESS ZSSD and its directors, officers, employees, agents, andrepresenta<ves from any and all liability, claims, and demands ofwhatever kind or nature, either in law or in equity,which arisetherefrom.

3. StudentunderstandsthatZSSDdoesnotassumeanyresponsibilityfororobliga<ontoprovidefinancialorotherassistance,includingbutnotlimitedtomedical,health,ordisabilityinsuranceintheeventofinjuryorillness.

IherebystatethatIhavereadandunderstandtheabovestatedinforma<on.

StudentSignature DateSigned

*IfStudentisaminor,aparentorlegalguardianmustsignaswell:

ParentorLegalGuardianSignature DateSigned

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OBLIGATORIO PARA LA PARTICIPACIÓN DE LA EXCURSIÓN

SOCIEDADZOOLÓGICADESANDIEGOD/B/ASANDIEGOZOOGLOBAL(“ZSSD”)

CONVENIODERENUNCIAYLIBERACIÓNDEINDEMNIZACIÓN(“Renuncia”)

NombredelAlumno:_________________________________________________________(“Alumno”)

Paraunabuenayvaliosaconsideración,incluyendoelacuerdodeZSSDparapermi<ralAlumnopar<ciparenac<vidadesdeexcursión(“Ac<vidades”)enelIns<tutoparalaInves<gaciónyConservacióndelZoológicodeSanDiego,enelParqueSanDiegoZooSafariy/oenelZoológicodeSanDiegodelZSSD(“Instalaciones”),elAlumnoporestemediolibremente,voluntariamenteysincoacciónalgunaejecutaestaRenuncia,conformealossiguientestérminos:

1. El Alumno asume todos los riesgos asociados con su par<cipación en las Ac<vidades, incluyendo lesiones o enfermedadpersonalydañosopérdidasdelapropiedad.

2. ElAlumnoen<endeyestádeacuerdoqueporcualquierlesión,enfermedadopérdidaocurridaosufridaporelAlumnoqueestádecualquiermaneraasociadoconlapar<cipaciónenlasAc<vidades,elAlumnoporsímismo,su(s)heredero(s),administrador(es)yalbacea(s)porestemedioRENUNCIA,EXIME,LIBERAyMANTIENINDEMNEporsiempreaZSSDysusdirectores,funcionarios,empleados,agentesyrepresentantesdetodaresponsabilidad,reclamacionesydemandasdecualquier<poyaseaporleyoequidadquesederivendeellas.

3. ElAlumnocomprendequeZSSDnoasumeningunaresponsabilidaduobligacióndeproporcionarasistenciafinancieraodeotro<po,incluyendoperonolimitándoseaseguromédico,desaludopordiscapacidadenelcasodelesiónoenfermedad.

Porestemediodeclaroqueheleídoycomprendidolainformaciónanteriormentemencionada.

FirmadelAlumno FechadelaFirma

*SielAlumnoesmenor,unpadreootutorlegaldebefirmartambién:

FirmadelPadreoTutorLegal FechadelaFirma

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School groups must contain a minimum of 15 students and a maximum of 40 students to qualify for the school rates to the Safari Park and participate in

our program.

✦ San Diego county schools are free during traditional school dates (except on peak attendance dates rates apply) Africa Tram is NOT included

✦ Out of county schools pay $10 per person (the reduced rate does NOT include the Africa Tram)

✦ ECS program fees are $10 per student, chaperones and teachers do not pay ✦ As a school group, you may purchase tickets for the Africa Tram for $5 per

person, these must be purchased and paid for with your order ✦ One chaperone is required for every 10 students (we ask that chaperones are

at least 25 years of age) and one credentialed teacher accompanies each program

✦ If you are arriving by cars, there may be 1 chaperone for every 4 students (This is the maximum allowed unless there are student(s) with special needs than 1 adult per special needs student is allowed)

✦ If you exceed the maximum chaperone ratio additional fees apply (please contact ConservationEducation@sandiegozoo.org for more information before your visit)

✦ If you are paying in advance, please note that no refunds will be given if fewer students/adults show up, if more show up than paid for, they will be subject to regular admission costs

✦ Reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance to receive free parking (current parking is $12 per vehicle)

✦ If reservations are made within the two weeks before your visit, you will be charged a $25 late fee and you will not receive free parking

✦ If you do not receive a confirmation email with an order number within three weeks of your visit, please contact Josie Fox at 760-747-8702 ext. 5738

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Guest Relations

Beckman Gate

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Recommended Bus Schedule Times:

8:45-9:00am Arrival (Please note that the Safari Park does not open until 9:00am, however we recommend arriving earlier to allot time for parking, using the restroom,

allowing the students to eat a light morning snack, and picking up your tickets).

2:45pm Departure (This is the soonest estimated time your group will be back at the main entrance after

completing the afternoon lab. This time may vary depending on how fast your group travels. Your group is always welcome to stay later than the

recommended departure time.)

Directions to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park

15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027

The San Diego Zoo Institute for Conservation Research is housed on grounds at the Safari Park.

If you are traveling by car or bus, you will need to park in the main parking lot at the

San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Travel to the Safari Park normally. From I-15, exit Via Rancho Pkwy heading east and then turn right on San Pasqual Valley Rd.

Make another right at CA-78/San Pasqual Valley Rd. The Main Entrance

to the Safari Park will be on the left side (look for the rhino sign posted below).

Notify the parking attendant of the school you are with and proceed to park.

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Enter Here

Meet Here

Check in at Guest Services to pick up your entrance tickets, please use this time to have the students use the restroom

located at the front entrance. Once you are ready to enter the Park, have the group head directly (you may want to

remind the group that this is not a good time to view the animals, this will be a quick walk) to the elevator (lower level)

Locator 10 to meet up with one of our instructors to walk your group to the ICR.

Please plan ~15 minute of walking time from the main entrance to the the meeting point.

Be sure to alert Josie Fox (conservationeducation@sandiegozoo.org) in advance if a member of your group needs transportation assistance.

the main entrance at the Safari Park to the ICR.

Meeting Times at Locator 10

Morning Lab Group: Pick-up 9:30am

Drop-off 12:00pm

Afternoon Lab Group Pick-up 12:00pm Drop-off 2:30pm

**Please keep in mind that we expect the groups to have used the restroom PRIOR to heading over to the lab and that they understand there is no eating or drinking in the lab.

Recommended restrooms are circled in RED and these are the best options for the morning group. All labs are 2.5 hours.

Directions to Locator 10

Restroomatfrontentrance

RestroomnearRangerBase

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Payment Information

✦ If you are paying by PO (purchase order), please submit payment at least 2 weeks in advance via email to KJameson@sandiegozoo.org or mail to (postal mail is NOT a preferred method):

Institute for Conservation Research Attn: Katherine Jameson 15600 San Pasqual Valley Road Escondido, CA 92027

✦ Cash, check or credit card (cardholder must be present) can be brought to the Guest Services window on the day of your visit.

Trip Costs May Include

✦ $10 per person for admission to the Safari Park* ✦ $10 per student for Exploring Conservation Science program ✦ $5 per person for the Africa Tram Safari** *In county schools are free except during peak attendance **This is a reduced fee for school groups and is OPTIONAL

Recommended Resources

✦ There are several things we recommend to prepare your students for their upcoming visit (continued page 10). Here are a few resources that share what our organization does to help endangered plants and animals:

An Inside Look At the Institute (10 minutes), be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page for a comprehensive video overview of our work: http://institute.sandiegozoo.org/

Videos on our website (Varies in length 3-5 minutes): http://institute.sandiegozoo.org/conservation-videos

Read articles on our website: http://institute.sandiegozoo.org/science-blog

Exploring Conservation Science Program

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Setting Your Group Up for Success

We want your students to have a fun, engaging, and inspiring visit while “Exploring Conservation Science”!

Things to do before, during, and after your visit: 1. Get them excited about their upcoming visit by going to our website (institute.sandiegozoo.org) and showing

them the 10-minute video (scroll to the bottom of the page) titled "An Inside Look At The Institute". 2. Introduce what module(s) you reserved and why you made that choice specifically for them. 3. Go over the Itinerary below with your students. 4. Remind them this is a very unique opportunity that is only open to a limited number of students every year.

They are representatives of their school, classmates, and community! Conservation Education instructors are excited to work with them, and we hope that they are equally excited to work with us.

5. The weather at the Safari Park can be hotter or colder than expected. Please have students dress accordingly. Comfortable, closed-toed shoes for walking, sunscreen, hats, and a refillable water bottle are all highly encouraged. Refillable water bottles can be refilled for free at any of our restaurants or food stands. For cooler weather days, dress in layers and bring an umbrella in case of rain showers.

6. Encourage student participation by giving bonus points to students that give answers when called upon during the program.

7. Every module now includes a worksheet for each student to work through their data. Feel free to collect these worksheets or have students save them for their science notebooks.

8. Within one week of your visit, have students reflect on their experience at the Institute. Check back in on some of the animals they may have seen or studied with our live web cams (zoo.sandiegozoo.org/content/video-more)

✦CLOSED-TOED shoes are a must to participate in the Exploring Conservation Science program

✦Remember to bring the properly signed WAIVERS (must be signed by a parent or guardian if the student is younger than 18)

Exploring Conservation Science Program

Itinerary 8:45am Arrive at the Safari Park. Students should pack a light morning snack to eat when they arrive at the park and use the restroom PRIOR to heading to the meeting point. 9:00am Enter Safari Park and head to Locator 10- keep in mind this will not be the best time to stop and look at the animals to ensure you make it to Locator 10 on time. 9:30am Conservation Education instructor will meet group(s) and go over a few instructions for BOTH the morning lab group and the afternoon lab group. Afternoon lab group will be dismissed to explore the Safari Park, morning lab group will be walked to the Institute, an off public area- please remain professional at all times. 9:45-11:45am Lab instruction time- please be engaged and respectful throughout your program. 11:45am-12:00pm Walk back to the Safari Park with morning lab group (they can now explore and eat lunch) 12:00pm Instructor will pick up afternoon lab group (students should have already eaten lunch and used restrooms before the instructor meets them) and walk to the Institute, an off public area- please remain professional at all times. 12:15-2:15pm Lab instruction time- please be engaged and respectful throughout your program. 2:15-2:30pm Walk back to the Safari Park with afternoon lab group and enjoy the rest of your day!

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