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“I translated all of our typical training to a hybrid model.
Half of it is through online webinars. In the other half, students
work independently or with other students in the program.
We’ve been surprised at the amount of work they are doing.”
All of the students participate in a variety of activities that are
hosted through other organizations. For example, King Scholars
partnered with San Diego Zoo Global University, which offers
more than 300 online courses and workshops in the areas of
science, environmental education, college preparation, and career
readiness. Also, Dr. Jason Crean, an educational consultant, holds
live videoconferencing sessions with them. “Students participate
online and it’s pretty interactive,” said Ortiz-Ortega.
“We’re also hosting all sorts of events for them,” she said.
“Students still get face time and have opportunities to hang out.”
Informal lunchtime get-togethers are still held with animal care
staff—but now via Zoom. During a
weekly “King Scholars Hangout,”
students can log in for an hour
and talk with their peers.
Eden Place Nature
Center in Fuller Park was
one of six sites where
Brookfield Zoo staff guided
children in science and
conservation lessons.
The King Academy consists of five programs:
• Nature Play for families with children ages 5 and under
• Zoo Adventure Passport or ZAP! for families
with children ages 6 to 12
• Zoo Explorers Club for middle-school students
• King Conservation Science Scholars for high school students
• High School and College Internship Program
36 GATEWAYS | FROM ZOO TO ZOOM
“We give students some normalcy and things to keep their
minds going,” said Ortiz-Ortega. “And letting them know we are
still going to be here has helped.”
After the zoo reopened at 25 percent capacity, a new
pass system enabled the teens to visit the zoo on their own.
“We’re constantly looking for new opportunities for the students
and we’re very much in the beginning stages,” said Ortiz-Ortega.
“I’m excited to see what’s to come.”
For information about the King Conservation Science Scholars
program and applications, please visit CZS.org/Scholars.
Since it opened almost 20 years ago, the HAMILL FAMILY
PLAY ZOO has been a big hit with children and families. What
has set it apart from other Brookfield Zoo exhibits is its strong
outreach to young children and children with disabilities. The Play
Zoo has been home to many of the Chicago Zoological Society’s
“Zoo for All” initiatives, which support guests with physical,
cognitive, or sensory disabilities.
Hands-on and interactive learning experiences—created
and led by early childhood specialists, nature educators, and
artists—gave children and their caregivers opportunities to explore
wildlife and nature together. Children also played independently.
They could peek at a snake, water a plant, examine animal X-rays
like a veterinarian would, or draw tiger stripes on their faces.