Educational Programs

Educational Programs includes educational videos, field trips, Ark Encounter programs with live animals and biofacts, offsite Ark Encounters, and Animal Ark: Coming to the Classroom. Ark Encounters: Critter Close-Ups is a 45 to 60-minute presentation with live animal appearances and lessons about wildlife adaptations, habitats, and conservation. Ark Encounters: Wild Discoveries (No Live Animals) is a 45 to 60-minute presentation using replica skulls, tracks, pelts, and visuals.

Programs

• Educational programs — Elementary schools; age-appropriate visits · Includes educational videos, field trips, Ark Encounter programs (live animals and biofacts), offsite Ark Encounters, and Animal Ark: Coming to the Classroom.
• Field trips — Students
• Ark Encounters: Critter Close-Ups — School groups · $200 · 45 to 60-minute presentation with live animal appearances and lessons about wildlife adaptations, habitats, and conservation. Free until August 2026.
• Ark Encounters: Wild Discoveries (No Live Animals) — School groups · $150 · 45 to 60-minute presentation using replica skulls, tracks, pelts, and visuals. Free until August 2026.
• Animal Ark: Coming to the Classroom — Elementary schools · In-person, interactive presentation free of charge.

At a glance

• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Price range: $150–$200
• Facility hours: Seasonal: open March through November; closed during the winter between December through March, weather dependent.

About the provider

Animal Ark has served as a permanent and loving home for injured or otherwise non-releaseable wildlife and provided wildlife education since 1994. Educational outreach is handled by the Education Manager, and Animal Ark: Coming to the Classroom uses coordinator Nancy. The program is a fully credited ZAA facility and the only ZAA accredited facility in the Northern Nevada area.

• Ark Encounters: Critter Close-Ups — Free until August 2026
• Ark Encounters: Wild Discoveries (No Live Animals) — Free until August 2026

Educational program bookings can be made via the booking page or by emailing [email protected]. Field trip prices are applicable to accredited schools, charter schools, and home schools. Programs are subject to animal cooperation, schedule availability, and weather conditions. Some offerings are free in 2026 for school groups only.

Last updated August 18, 2026.