Valentines, camp and more

UTICA, N.Y. >> Even on the coldest days, the Utica Zoo is buzzing with activity. During the month of February, the Utica Zoo will be holding numerous events, camps, and educational programs for visitors of all ages.

Thursday, Feb. 14 at 10:30 a.m. will be a Zoo Adventures STEM Academy class for learners aged 3-5 years old. Preregistration is required. Cost starts at $7 per child plus admission for nonmembers and $7 per child for members. Additional information and registration canbe found at uticazoo.org/programs.

Saturday, Feb. 16 through Sunday, Feb. 17 at 10:30 a.m. is the Animal Valentine Exchange and Enrichment program. The Utica Zoo has teamed up with the Seneca Park Zoo in Rochester to do an Animal Valentine Exchange between their animals. Visitors will be able to create their own valentine to a Seneca Park animal, and create an enrichment item for a Utica Zoo animal. Therewill be animal meet and greets, and a campfire to stay warm. This event is free with zoo admission.

Sunday, Feb. 17 is also a Sensory Sunday event, geared specifically towards families with a member who has special or sensory needs. This event includes animal meet and greets and instruction specifically geared towards guests with sensory needs. This event is free for members, and $5 for nonmembers.

Monday, Feb. 18 is the zoo’s School Break Zoo Camp. Bring the kids to the Utica Zoo to learn all about animal habits during school break. Camp runs from10a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to learners in grades 1- 4. Camp activities include animal meet and greets, zoo exploration, enrichment projects and crafts. $30 for members, and $35 for nonmembers. Pre-registration is required and can be done by contacting Kathleen at 315-738-0472 ext. 36 or Kathleen.mcgill@uticazoo.org.

Thursday, Feb. 21 at 10:30 a.m. is a second Zoo Adventures STEM Academy class for learners aged 3-5 years old. Pre-registration is required. Cost starts at $7 per child plus admission for nonmembers, and $7 per child for members. Additional information and registration can be found at uticazoo.org/programs.

Also onThursday, Feb. 21, at 6:30 p.m., join zoo educators for aNight Prowl through the zoo. Enjoy animal meet and greets, explore the zoo by moonlight, and venture up to meet the MexicanGrayWolf pack. There will also be a campfire to stay warm and enjoy the Febru--

ary Snow Moon. Cost is $8 per adults and $6 per child for members, and $10 per adults and $8 per child for nonmembers.

Friday, Feb. 22 is a second School Break Zoo camp. Bring the kids to the Utica Zoo to learn all about animal habits dur- ing school break. Camp runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to learners in grades 1- 4. Camp activities include animal meet and greets, zoo exploration, enrichment projects and crafts. $30 for members, and $35 for nonmembers. Pre-registration is required and can be done by contacting Kathleen at 315-738- 0472 ext. 36 or Kathleen. mcgill@uticazoo.org.

Sunday, Feb. 24 is Member Morning. Utica Zoo members are invited to join a member’s only program. The family-friendly fun starts at 9:30 a.m. and will focus on “Spineless Wonders.” Member Mornings are free to Utica Zoo members. Only 25 spots are available per day, and preregistration is required by emailing mary.hall@uticazoo.org or calling Mary at 315-738-0472 ext 26.

Thursday, Feb. 28 is the February home school class. Home school learners aged kindergarten through second grade are invited to join the class at 11 a.m. and must be accompanied by a guardian through the class. Learners aged third grade and up are invited at 1 p.m. and may be dropped off. The home school class will also be kicking off their “Go Green Challenge” and will have a special visit from Jamie Tuttle from Oneida Herkimer Solid Waste Authority.

The cost is $7 per child for members, $7 per child plus adult admission for nonmembers. There is a $5 fee for any additional child. Pre-registration is required. For more information, or to register your child, contact Nicolette Hajdasz at nicolette@uticazoo.org or by phone at 315-738-0472 ext. 34. Home school parents are also encouraged to attend the zoo’s Home School Brain Storm session on March 28 at 1 p.m.

For more information about this, or anything Utica Zoo related, visit UticaZoo.org, or follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @uticazoo. Visitors are always welcome to call 315-738-0472 with any specific questions.