Zoo Keepers

PALA Best Practice Award Nominee 2018

Zoo Keepers is a fun and interactive way to learn about different animals and their habitats. The recommended age for this library program is from 6 - 12 years old. The program is a great way to serve homeschool families at your library.

The focus and goal of the program is to give children an opportunity to explore wild animals that live at the zoo, their habitats, and what it takes to be a Zoo Keeper. Zoo Keepers is a fun learning opportunity that can apply to many different learning goals including social responsibility. The program also focuses on animal and environmental conservation helping kids make smart decisions about recycling and other social issues.

Each month, children get to “visit” a different animal at the zoo. Children receive their own Zoo Keepers folder, Zoo Keeper checklist, zoo sticker map (receive an animal sticker for each animal they visit), animal fact sheet, animal trading card, recommended book list (books on the list are available at the program), and get to enjoy crafts, games, and STEM activities. Children also get to view a live web cam of the animal from a zoo or conservation site.

Please feel free to print and use the materials for personal, library, or classroom use. Do not sell the materials.

Zoo Keeper's Folder & Trading Cards

Zoo Keeper's Folder

You can use any folders you happen to have on-hand. I used manila file folders, but a better option would be a pocket folder with fasteners. If your folders do not have fasteners, simply punch holes in the folders and add paper fasteners as I did. You could always skip the fasteners and use a pocket folder, but I prefer the fasteners.

Zoo Keepers Checklist Safari Theme

Zoo Keepers Sticker Map Safari Theme

Small Labels - Print on Avery 5160 size label sheets.

Large Labels - Print on Avery Name Tag label sheets.

Zoo Keepers Checklist Aquarium Theme

Zoo Keepers Sticker Map Aquarium Theme

Small Labels - Print on Avery 5160 size label sheets.

Large Labels - Print on Avery Name Tag label sheets.

Stickers can be purchased from Oriental Trading you can print stickers on sticker or label paper provided below with each animal.

Trading Cards

For best results, use print option "2 sided book" on card stock or similar heavy paper. I laminate the trading cards before cutting them out. I gave each student a trading card sleeve to hold their trading cards. I purchased the sleeves from Amazon, but you could find them at any office supply store.

Trading Cards Set 1

Trading Cards Set 2 Coming soon!