Childcare Centres, Preschools And Aged Care

Imagine having animals from Taronga Zoo come and visit you. You will have the unique opportunity to meet Australian animals up amazingly close!

What animals will we see?

We cannot guarantee what animals will be available on the day. We typically bring 6 or 7 animals per visit from the following:

Bearded dragon, Shingleback lizard, Blue tongue lizard, Green tree frog, Phasmid, Short necked turtle, Diamond python, Carpet python, Children's python, Salt water crocodile, Galah, Tawny frogmouth, Ring tail possum, Long nosed bandicoot, Echidna.

What is involved?

During a Zoomobile visit, a Discovery Officer will deliver a fun and interactive presentation to your group. They will display the animal's physical characteristics and will provide individual animal encounters for each person in the group. If you would like a session on a specific topic please discuss this when making your booking.

Can the animals be touched?

Many of our animals have been hand-raised and are very comfortable around people. Your group will be instructed on how to appropriately interact with the animals. The welfare of the animals is our priority so in the unlikely event that the animal becomes distressed we will stop encounters with that animal.

Timing structure and Sessions

As at February 1st 2010 the St.George Zoomobile timing structure will be changing. When booking for a session please be aware there are now morning and afternoon sessions available.

Morning Sessions will run between the hours of 9.30am to 11.30am

Afternoon Session will run between the hours of 12.30pm to 2.30pm

Please note: The booked sessions must be completed within the two hour time period indicated above. Session lengths are dependent on the age of the group. For very young children we recommend a session length of around 30 minutes. For older children and adults, sessions can last between 45 minutes and 1 hour.

Each presentation will cater for a maximum of 30 students, if you have over 30 students we request that you split the group into two smaller groups and timetable the two presentations into one of the above timeslots.

How much does it cost?

As at February 1st 2010 the minimum fee for a Zoomobile visit will be $280 (including gst) for up to 50 children/adults. For groups with more than 50, the cost is an additional $5.60 per person.

Can we reduce the cost?

In 2010 the St.George Zoomobile will be offering a discounted rate to help promote partnerships and networks between centres, and reduce our carbon footprint. If you are able to book both morning and afternoon sessions either by yourself, or in partnership with another centre - located within a 5km radius (of your location) - the St.George Zoomobile will reduce the operation costs to $250.00 per session, catering for the first 50 participants and then an additional $5.00 for each particpant over the initial 50.

How should we pay?

To confirm the booking payment must be made in advance of the visit date. Payment details are sent once the booking has been made.

What do we need to do on the day?

Please arrange a venue that will accommodate the whole group in a circle, this will allow us to display the animals and let each person meet them up close. If your venue is in a busy and congested area, it would also be appreciated if you could reserve a parking space for our Zoomobile. It would also be helpful if the children are reminded before the presentation that it is important to respect the animals and to try to keep as quiet as possible.

Can the session be outside?

Sessions can be delivered inside or outside. If you would like a session outside please ensure that there is shade available and inform the Discovery Host prior to the visit (some animals are not suitable for outside use).

How much notice do you need to make a booking?

We prefer to have at least two weeks notice for all Zoomobile visits. However, we recommend booking as soon as possible to avoid the disappointment of not having a day you wish.

How do we make a booking?

Check availability on the St George Zoomobile main page then complete and return the booking form with your details to.

Taronga Zoo Education

St George Zoomobile Coordinator

PO Box 20, Mosman, NSW, 2038

Phone: 02 9978 4554

Fax: 02 9978 4508

Email: stgzoomobile@zoo.nsw.gov.au

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