Staten Island Zoo
2013 Summer Workshop Series
STATEN ISLAND ZOO; 614 Broadway, West Brighton, Staten Island, New York 10310
Open daily 10:00 am – 4:45 pm
Detailed information about these programs is available on the Zoo’s website, www.statenislandzoo.org, or by calling 718.442.3101.
Download the PDF version of the following here…
Saturday, May 25: “Atka at the Zoo”
Two one-hour programs: Noon & 2:00pm
Atka represents Arctic gray wolves that live primarily in the Arctic, a land covered
with snow and ice for most of the year, where Atka’s white fur, allows him to blend
into snowy surroundings. Atka is an “ambassador wolf” of the Wolf Conservation
Center, whose mission is to educate people about wolves, their relationship in the
environment and the human role in protecting their future. Because Arctic gray
wolves populate isolated areas, they are not threatened by humans, nor by habitat
destruction, like their brothers and sisters living below the Arctic region. Yet, Atka’s
message speaks for them and the concern that threatens their species.
Saturday, June 1: Zooborns!
Noon – 3:00pm
It’s a Boy! It’s a Girl! It’s a gosling! Welcome to the only place on Staten Island where
we welcome Zoo Babies. An afternoon of baby shower games, prizes and non-stop
introductions to all the new members of our zoo family, including four lambs, three
groundhogs, and two emus. There are over 30 pheasants expected, too.
Sunday, June 9: Conservation Celebration
Noon – 3:00pm
It’s a party for the planet! The zoo will be crowded with all of Mother
Nature’s friends: environmental groups, recyclers, ocean defenders and all of our
conservation buddies. Make a planting to take home, play games and enjoy our
fair-like celebration of all the things that make our world so special. And, we are
featuring Staten Island’s premiere jug band – Wahoo Skiffle Crazies.
Saturday, June 15: ZooQuest!
Noon – 3:00pm
Zoo-wide scavenger hunt, trivia and activity game. Form teams or play as an
individual. Prizes for the winners. Can you complete all the questions? Find all the
items? Complete all the activities?
Saturday, June 22: Enrichment Day
Noon – 3:00pm
Have a play date with the zoo animals! Exciting new “toys” that help keep the animals
healthy through exercise are going to be introduced all over the zoo. Keeper talks at
each exhibit as we explain what fun toy we are introducing and why.
Sunday, June 30: Forensic Entomology
Noon – 3:00pm
Learn how some of the most notorious crimes are solved by the smallest clues
– botanical evidence and invertebrates. Using microscopes, magnifying glasses,
tweezers and specimen collection bags, we can look for clues to a variety of “crimes”.
Various crimes scenes are provided and participants can solve the crime by looking for
clues in nature. Larva, pollen and even bird nests can help us solve these crimes.
Sunday, July 7: The Dirt on Dirt
Noon – 3:00pm
What is dirt? What lives in the dirt? What eats it? Get the scoop on the world under
your feet. Dirt or soil consists of a mixture of finely ground rock, minerals, and a variety
of living and dead lifeforms. This nutrient-rich layer extends downward about as deep
as plant roots extend. Soil contains all the nutrients needed by plants to survive.
An important part of soil is the part that is alive. Many different bacteria, algae and
fungi do important jobs that make life possible. Without these basic lifeforms performing
these important roles, more complex lifeforms could not survive. Make dirt work for
you, too, with take-home plantings.
Saturday, July 13: “Gyotaku.”
Noon – 3:00pm
Artist/instructor, Joseph Mullins began making impressions from fish he caught in 2005,
following the traditional method of Japanese fish printing. Freshly caught specimens will
be used to discuss the types of fish that can be found in local waters. Every participant
experiences a hands-on gyotaku session. The rubbings are made on a quality mulberry
paper and can be mounted on board or plexi glass that makes a beautiful translucent
image. These rubbings can also be used in collages. Learn print making, while also
addressing sustainability issues.
Sat., July 20 & Sun., July 21: TALONS
Noon – 3:00pm
Lorrie Schumacher is a Master Falconer who has created a uniquely innovative and
inspiring Bird Of Prey Experience. Lorrie’s stresses the importance of raptors in the
global environment and man’s responsibility to the balance of the planet. This unique
opportunity presents these fascinating birds up close in an exciting and educational
exhibit. It’s an experience of a lifetime!
Saturday, July 27: Animal Photography
Noon – 3:00pm
A workshop presented by John Ares to improve your photographs of animals. This
well-travelled professional photographer will show you how using any equipment from
cell phone cameras to DSLRs. Trained as a Biologist / Marine Food Toxicologist,
Ares is a uniquely versatile photographer: Underwater, Nature, Travel, Lifestyle and
Fine Art. Many animal subjects will be discussed including birds, bees and bears.
Animal behavior will be discussed and basic animal photography techniques that
apply no matter what your equipment. We will focus on likely places to find animal
subjects starting at home with your pets, the backyard and expand to Zoos, the park,
wilderness expeditions and a brief overview of underwater photography. An opportunity
for live photography will be provided.
Sunday, August 4: Dinosaurs and Fossils
Noon – 3:00pm
Dinosaur enthusiasts, Harry Strano and Richie Mirissis — using fossil evidence —
will take you back several million years when dinosaurs roamed the earth. Fossil
digs and rubbings as well as a display of authentic relics will be available. Speak to
the experts about the fossil-rich history in our area. Did you know that a crab fossil
dating back 65 million years was found on Staten Island and named kleinfelderi
after Walter Kleinfelder, the CurtisHigh School student who found it?
Sunday, August 11: Origami USA
Noon – 3:00pm
Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, which has evolved into a
modern art form. The goal of this art is to transform a flat sheet of paper into a finished
sculpture through folding and sculpting techniques. OrigamiUSA is the largest origami
organization in the US and is located at the AmericanMuseum of Natural History.
Participants will be led through the process that will create different origami animals
simply by skillfully folding. Each person can make 2-3 animals each.
Saturday, August 17: Animal Training Demo.
Noon – 3:00pm
In our Zoo it is really important to keep our animals healthy and engaged through
enrichment “toys” and behavioral training programs. Animal behavior training is an
important part of zoo life so our animals are able to interact with their keepers …
and YOU in a special way. You’ll enjoy watching our animals show off their new tricks.
Saturday, August 24: Serpent Day
Noon – 3:00pm
Come see the snakes of the zoo outside of their glass tanks. Keeper talks and
presentations of our exhibit snakes will thrill even the most seasoned snake lover.
Guess the weight and length of our biggest and smallest snakes for fantastic prizes.
Lots of snake feedings and opportunities to touch these beautiful creatures
Saturday, August 31: Monkey Music
Noon – 3:00pm
Monkey Music began in 2001, when educator/songwriter Meredith LeVande
– acting on the way that music engaged the “whole child” – began writing and
performing songs that supported children’s natural curiosity and desire to learn.
Since then Monkey Monkey Music, has been a kiddie staple, framing such iconic
shows as Sesame Street and Curious George, on more than 100 public television
stations in 80 plus markets.
