Hobbies And Interests
Programs for Individuals and Families
Zoos that want to implement programs about lizards can include programs geared toward individuals and families. Some programs should be designed for younger children that can include lizard themed coloring pages and simple stories parents can read to their kids about lizards. Older children enjoy lizard trivia, graphs and information that can be used while at the zoo to supplement label copy (the informational labels that often accompany displays). Implement a reward program that is task driven. Give children an assignment, such as finding specific facts about particular lizards that are in the label copy, and give a "badge" sticker or patch when the child accomplishes the task. Adults will enjoy seminars and special speakers, along with videos and interactive displays. Possible lizard program topics for individuals and families include the food lizards eat, their growth and life cycle.
Programs for Groups
A zoo can implement lizard-related programs for groups. Church youth groups, scout troops and home school clubs will be among the groups interested in these types of programs. Topics for lizard programs can include how lizards adapt to the environment and native countries or biomes for each species of lizard represented at the zoo. Include fun activities such as group scavenger hunts and short video clips about lizards. Designate a few staff members who are good with groups and who are knowledgeable about lizards. These staff members can act as tour guides, can direct group activities, can answer questions about the lizards and can be there to greet groups and guide them through the program activities.
Programs for School Groups
Zoos should consult with local school districts when designing programs geared toward school groups. By consulting with school teachers and staff, zoo personnel can tailor programs to coincide with lizard or reptile lesson units in the local classrooms. School group programs should be academic in nature but still implement fun into the programs. School group lizard programs can include environmental issues and how they affect lizards. Provide a list of ways that students can help protect the lizards' natural habitat. Skeletal and other biological aspects of lizards can also be the focus of zoo programs. Provide students and teachers with handouts showing the skeleton of several types of lizards that are at the zoo.
Other Zoo Programs
There are many types of lizard-related programs that can be implemented by a zoo. A travel program can include taking small groups on out of town or even out of country adventures to places where lizards run wild or to lizards' nature habitat. Zoo personnel should work closely with travel and tour companies to design a travel program. Educated zoo staff can visit school campuses to give lizard-themed speeches or introduce a new lizard-themed program.