Have you ever stopped to think about all the educational benefits of zoos? Sure, we bring our kids to the zoo for something to do, to engage them with wildlife, and to soak up a nice day, but how does it resonate with them?

According to a leading Zoo Association, an estimated 183 million people visit an accredited zoo every year, 69% of which are made up of groups or parties that include children.

That statistic is probably not surprising to you, as zoos have always been a great day out for families, couples, and friends alike. 

Think back to your last visit to the zoo. 

What did your kids spend most of the day doing?

Was it asking questions by any chance?

As well as running around in a state of frenzied excitement, the most common activity that kids carry out at the zoo is asking questions. This is because there are simply so many brand new sights, sounds, and yes, even smells for them to explore at the zoo.

The educational benefits of zoos, and having a fun family day exploring, do not end with an inquisitive response. In fact, there are many more ways in which a day out at the zoo can help your children develop a wide range of key skills that are vital for their overall development.

From improving their speech and language skills to allowing them to explore their senses, keep reading to discover the top five educational benefits of visiting the zoo with your kids.

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5 Educational Benefits of Zoos and Why Your Kids Should Be Visiting

Increased Environmental Awareness

Unfortunately, many children nowadays are not overly connected or engaged with the natural world around them.

A massive surge in the use of modern technologies has left many kids glued to a screen for more than seven hours a day, with little thought or understanding of the environment.

However, when you visit a zoo with your kids, they have the opportunity to disconnect from screens entirely and learn about conservation efforts and the importance of looking after the planet’s wildlife.

While this may not be considered one of the educational benefits of zoos, I’d argue that it certainly creates an opportunity to engage their critical thinking skills which is a foundational learning tool.

Which zoo should you choose?

If you’re fortunate enough to have options when it comes to the zoos in your area, there are some considerations.

When choosing which zoo to visit with your family, it is a good idea to find one that not only helps with global conservation but one that also ensures that the environment they provide their animals with mimics that of their natural habitat.

A zoo that aids with global conservation will in turn build awareness around environmental crisis and how we all play a role in its conservation. This may possibly be one of the most important educational benefits of zoos.

Eric Mogensen, CEO of Gulf Breeze Zoo in Florida, is known for his zoo’s conservation efforts and, in particular, its large natural ape habitats, which you can read more about at   https://www.nwfdailynews.com/news/20190225/zoo-in-gulf-breeze-is-going-to-great-apes.