By allowing children to engage in deep play and messy play, we set the stage for important brain development and healthy interactions with others

By allowing children to engage in deep play and messy play, we set the stage for important brain development and healthy interactions with others

Try your hand at a Japanese school children’s traditional pastime molding earth and water to form a basic mud ball (dorodango). Continue the process by polis...

A tale of two beetles! Visit with the Neighborhood Naturalist as we compare the native Green June Beetle (June Bugs) and the non-native Japanese beetle.

Nature happens at home. Observe regular feeder visitors to discover which birds are year-round residents and which are migratory species, here for only part of each year.

Join the Zoo's Neighborhood Naturalist digging into some soil in search of amazing and beneficial Earthworms!

The North Carolina Zoo's Neighborhood Naturalist demonstrates how to keep ourselves safe, while protecting habitats for native wildlife.

What happens when an insect is unintentionally brought into the country, has plenty to eat and very few predators? The Neighborhood Naturalist takes a look at Japanese Beetles.

Naturalists often need "tools" to assist in our learning. Binoculars help us see birds, Field Guides aid in identification. Join the Neighborhood Naturalist as he demonstrates how to make a tool that will help learn about animals that live in the water.

Can Non-Native Plants and Animals that become established in a new place become vitally important?

Using the Minnow Trap we made several weeks ago, let us take a look below the surface to see who is living in the North Carolina Zoo Wetland Pond!

You ride past them every day, but how often do you get out to appreciate the Wildflowers growing right along the side of the road? Join Mr. Bob, the Zoo's Neighborhood Naturalist as we take a walk along the shoulder of the road!

Join the Zoo's Neighborhood Naturalist as we look at ways to make your yard "Hummingbird Friendly"-- mixing your own nectar and selecting feeders that will help avoid unwanted insects, while getting up close with some of these amazing little birds.

You mean there is some science regarding how I cut the grass? Join the neighborhood naturalist as we look at the advantages of leaving your clippings on the lawn!

Does your dog eat their dinner quickly? In this episode of Pet Detectives, learn about some new techniques for feeding your dog, similar to strategies we use for animals at the zoo, that might change the time your dog spends eating. Changing up the feeding routine can be a great way to improve your dog’s well-being and keep your dog engaged. Let us know which of the three techniques worked best for your dog.

We have created a helpful clip if you're unable to watch the full video:
1.L.1 Foraging enrichment/feeding strategies (30 sec): https://youtu.be/p1aRQQr96xE?t=27

Is your dog ready for telecommuting? Join us in our second episode of Pet Detectives to test how your dog perceives the virtual world. Try communicating with your dog remotely and share your results in the comments – did your dog recognize you on the small screen?

We have created a helpful clip if you're unable to watch the full video:
1.L.1 How dogs perceive the world around them (1.5 min): https://youtu.be/EvYyKk-DjLc?t=18

Afraid of the dark? Hopefully, after these fun experiments in our series Science in the Dark, you will have a greater appreciation for the nighttime. Using our sense of touch, we will get “hands-on” with our first set of experiments!

We have created helpful clips if you're unable to watch the full video:
K.P.2 Using your sense of touch to ID things (2 min 20 sec): https://youtu.be/ffDhiYY_r78?t=134
4.L.1 Humans have poor eyesight at night, sense of touch heightened (2.5 min): https://youtu.be/ffDhiYY_r78?t=153

We often recycle plastic bottles but did you know you can also reuse/repurpose them? Join Bruce as the UNITE team shows you how to repurpose plastic bottles into a trash can or recycling bin giving these bottles another purpose.

This is additional curriculum for the Untamed Science video series created in a partnership between the North Carolina Zoo and videographer Rob Nelson. You are meant to watch the original video and then open the PDF resource below to learn how to create your very own sustainable butterfly garden!

This is additional curriculum for the Untamed Science video series created in a partnership between the North Carolina Zoo and videographer Rob Nelson. You are meant to watch the original video and then open the PDF resource below to put your skills to the test and find out what it takes to be a zoo veterinarian! The answer key is in a separate PDF.

This is additional curriculum for the Untamed Science video series created in a partnership between the North Carolina Zoo and videographer Rob Nelson. You are meant to watch the original video and then open the PDF resource below for an activity involving wildlife conservation!

This is additional curriculum for the Untamed Science video series created in a partnership between the North Carolina Zoo and videographer Rob Nelson. You are meant to watch the original video and then open the PDF resource below to learn what it takes to be a SMART Ranger! SMART (Spatial Monitoring And Reporting Tool) is an app that was created in partnership with the North Carolina Zoo. Click the link above to learn more!

This is additional curriculum for the Untamed Science video series created in a partnership between the North Carolina Zoo and videographer Rob Nelson. You are meant to watch the original video and then open the PDF resource below to become a scientist and track your own vulture!

Who chews my barn? They are North America's largest native Bee, and some folks find them scary, but Carpenter Bees are really valuable and gentle giants!

Experimenting with the textures, colors and smells of Nature is a fun way to explore nearby nature. Stir up your own gritty, colorful, smelly concoctions by mixing together your own creative combinations.

Experimenting with the textures, colors and smells of Nature is a fun way to explore nearby nature. Stir up your own gritty, colorful, smelly concoctions by ...

Learn what a pollinator is, and why they are important. Look at some pollinator examples and some pollinator plants, then try to create your own pollinator u...

Learn what a pollinator is, and why they are important. Look at some pollinator examples and some pollinator plants, then try to create your own pollinator using common household supplies.

Design and create sculptures and land art using sticks, stones, leaves, flowers – any natural elements that can be found in your own backyard!

Design and create sculptures and land art using sticks, stones, leaves, flowers – any natural elements that can be found in your own backyard!

Playing with Dirt, Water, and Nature’s Treasures: Create a fantastical creature using soil and discovered natural treasures from your own back yard. Mix in a little water, and voila! Let the creating begin!

Playing with Dirt, Water, and Nature’s Treasures: Create a fantastical creature using soil and discovered natural treasures from your own back yard. Mix in ...

Scavenger Hunt--help children to learn how to look for and notice little things in nature by having a fairy/gnome scavenger hunt. Children can use their imag...

Scavenger Hunt--help children to learn how to look for and notice little things in nature by having a fairy/gnome scavenger hunt. Children can use their imagination and look for things they can use for fairy/gnome play.

Home Building: Children can engage in imaginative play while manipulating natural and found objects. By describing and sorting through these items, children ...

Home Building: Children can engage in imaginative play while manipulating natural and found objects. By describing and sorting through these items, children are building early learning skills.

Children can make their own nature crowns and enter the world of make believe. Dress up and pretend worlds are important early emotional coping skills that c...

Test your boat making skills! Water play is an important part of early childhood development. Fill up a kiddie pool, big bucket or your tub and let the young...

Test your boat making skills! Water play is an important part of early childhood development. Fill up a kiddie pool, big bucket or your tub and let the youngest children practice scooping and pouring water with a cup. This simple play is testing cause and effect. For older children, try making boats out of recycled and common house hold items as well as natural, found items. See several ideas for design then try some of your own!

Using soil you find nearby, make your own ooey, gooey mud to paint a muddy flag. Also we’ll have some fun throwing mud and discover how mud splatters can become a work of art!

Using soil you find nearby, make your own ooey, gooey mud to paint a muddy flag. Also we’ll have some fun throwing mud and discover how mud splatters can be...

Oak Trees can generally be placed into one of three broad categories: Live Oaks, White Oaks and Red Oaks. Learn one way to tell them apart, some of the different characteristics, and why these trees are important.

Have you ever wonder why your neighbor, who never gets rid of the weeds in his yard, has a better looking lawn? Join Bob as he explains why this is!

Can you use things from around the house and/or your yard to build houses like the three little pigs? Try a house out of straw (or a close substitute), stick...

Join Kathy as she tells you the story of the 3 Little Pigs, but - trust us - this is a version you have never heard before. Don't forget to check out part 2.

Have you ever wondered why bees buzz? Help young children develop pre-writing and early math skills while learning about pollinators.

See how easy it is to explore nature and engage in Citizen Science while earning cool prizes!

See how easy it is to explore nature and engage in Citizen Science while earning cool prizes!

Let’s bring the inside out and discover how an animal’s skeleton tells us a lot about their behavior.

We have created helpful clips if you're unable to watch the full thing:
K.L.1 Bird vs. Bat Flight (16 min): https://youtu.be/FWJ6htDggqA?t=3197
3.L.1, 5.L.1 Skeletal Adaptations of a Hawk (7 min): https://youtu.be/FWJ6htDggqA?t=1080
3.L.1, 5.L.1 Bat Skeleton (3 min): https://youtu.be/FWJ6htDggqA?t=1888
3.L.1, 5.L.1 What can the skull tell us? (10 min): https://youtu.be/FWJ6htDggqA?t=2084
3.L.1, 5.L.1 Exoskeleton (2 min): https://youtu.be/FWJ6htDggqA?t=2705
3.L.1, 5.L.1 Why feces are important (2.5 min): https://youtu.be/FWJ6htDggqA?t=2981
3.L.1, 5.L.1 Turtle Shell (3 min): https://youtu.be/FWJ6htDggqA?t=3197

Animal Encounters:
1. Braveheart the Red-tailed Hawk: https://youtu.be/FWJ6htDggqA?t=1078
2. Madagascar Hissing Cockroach: https://youtu.be/FWJ6htDggqA?t=2701
3. Franklin the Eastern Box Turtle: https://youtu.be/FWJ6htDggqA?t=2701

Get your safari hat on as we go on an adventure through Africa and learn about some of the amazing animals that call this place home. We will get to meet a few friends along the way and see some cool biofacts.

We have created helpful clips if you are unable to watch the whole video:
K.L.1
Types of Eaters (1 min) = https://youtu.be/i7-XhaMWoro?t=155

3.L.1
Lion Skull (4 min) = https://youtu.be/i7-XhaMWoro?t=338

4.L.1
Lion Teeth (1 min) = https://youtu.be/i7-XhaMWoro?t=428
Elephant tooth/tusk (2 min) = https://youtu.be/i7-XhaMWoro?t=2118

5.L.2
Ecosystem Balance (1 min) = https://youtu.be/i7-XhaMWoro?t=475

8.L.1
Diseases and Vultures (1 min) = https://youtu.be/i7-XhaMWoro?t=641

Animal Ambassador Clips:
African Ball Python (10 min) = https://youtu.be/i7-XhaMWoro?t=1093
African Pygmy Hedgehog (5 min) = https://youtu.be/i7-XhaMWoro?t=2735

Conservation Clips:
Vulture Conservation (2 min) = https://youtu.be/i7-XhaMWoro?t=767
Elephant Conservation (3 min) = https://youtu.be/i7-XhaMWoro?t=2255

Did you know that many different kinds of wildlife have jobs like people do? Come discover more about ant farmers, tortoise landlords, bird dentists and so much more!

We created helpful clips if you are unable to watch the full video:
5.L.2 Bird Nests (3 min) = https://youtu.be/A70n3qTuuLg?t=1734

Animal Ambassador Clips:
Eastern Box Turtle (4 min) =https://youtu.be/A70n3qTuuLg?t=676
Cane Toad (5 min) =https://youtu.be/A70n3qTuuLg?t=1292

Conservation Clips:
Gopher Tortoise (1 min) = https://youtu.be/A70n3qTuuLg?t=2257
Toad Abode (1 min) = https://youtu.be/A70n3qTuuLg?t=2388

Ever wonder how the North Carolina Zoo takes care of so many different animals? Tune in and learn about what it takes to care for some of the smallest to the largest animals.

We have also created clips if you cannot watch whole program:

K.L.1 What all animals need to survive (11 min) = https://youtu.be/7H0PiXwiVg0?t=197

Animal Ambassador Clips:
Gopher Frog (2 min) = https://youtu.be/7H0PiXwiVg0?t=1435
Galapagos Tortoise (7 min) = https://youtu.be/7H0PiXwiVg0?t=1860
Eastern Rat Snake (3 min) = https://youtu.be/7H0PiXwiVg0?t=2515

Conservation Messages:
Hellbenders (2 min) = https://youtu.be/7H0PiXwiVg0?t=1213
Gopher Frogs (2 min) = https://youtu.be/7H0PiXwiVg0?t=1450

Can you smell your food from miles away? Is your tongue purple or blue? These are just a couple examples of the many adaptations that animals use for survival. Together we will uncover more unique ways living things can adapt to their habitats and why biodiversity is crucial to the health of our planet.

We have created helpful clips if you are unable to watch the whole video:
K.L.1
Alligator vs. Crocodile (1 min) = https://youtu.be/d3X638Qfn_c?t=3373

3.L.1
Exoskeleton (2 min) = https://youtu.be/d3X638Qfn_c?t=1111
Osteoderm (1 min) = https://youtu.be/d3X638Qfn_c?t=3466

4.L.1
Alligators (3 min) = https://youtu.be/d3X638Qfn_c?t=3195

5.L.2
Keystone Species (1 min) = https://youtu.be/d3X638Qfn_c?t=1430

Animal Ambassador Clips:
Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula (5 min) = https://youtu.be/d3X638Qfn_c?t=804
Galapagos Tortoise (10 min) = https://youtu.be/d3X638Qfn_c?t=1743
American Alligator (3 min) = https://youtu.be/d3X638Qfn_c?t=2983

Discover some of the creative ways animals build their homes, nests, or community housing. Learn how we can help protect habitats so these crafty critters can continue to be amazing architects!

We have created helpful clips if you are unable to watch the full video:
Animal Ambassador Clip:
American Alligator (8 min) = https://youtu.be/7K-gG6ctQrI?t=1052

Discover some of the creative ways animals build their homes, nests, or community housing. Learn how we can help protect habitats so these crafty critters can continue to be amazing architects!

We have created some helpful clips if you're unable to watch the full video:
K.L.1 Difference between Crocodiles and Alligators (2 min): https://youtu.be/VD6V1O-Ezmo?t=1590
1.L.1 Beaver Dams (5 min): https://youtu.be/VD6V1O-Ezmo?t=430
1.L.1 Prairie Dog Burrows (5 min): https://youtu.be/VD6V1O-Ezmo?t=769
1.L.1 Termite Mounds (4.5 min): https://youtu.be/VD6V1O-Ezmo?t=2380
1.L.1 Protecting animal homes (1 min 40 sec): https://youtu.be/VD6V1O-Ezmo?t=3471
2.L.2 Caddisfly Pupa and adult (5.5 min): https://youtu.be/VD6V1O-Ezmo?t=1961
5.L.2 Other animals use Prairie Dog Burrows (20 sec): https://youtu.be/VD6V1O-Ezmo?t=933
7.L.2 Frogs create foam nests (2 min): https://youtu.be/VD6V1O-Ezmo

Animal Encounters:
1. Cypress the Alligator (8 min): https://youtu.be/VD6V1O-Ezmo?t=1054
2. Terra the Barred Owl (5 min): https://youtu.be/VD6V1O-Ezmo?t=2898

The holidays are all about family, so join us and learn about some different, or similar, animal families and see if you recognize any of your family members!

We have created some helpful clips if you're unable to watch the full video:
K.L.1 Parental care of Ball Pythons vs. other snakes (2.5 min): https://youtu.be/XU_VjWMWqaU?t=966
2.L.2 White-tailed deer coats - fawns vs. adults (3 min): https://youtu.be/XU_VjWMWqaU?t=1653

Animal Encounters:
1. Sugar the Giant Marine Toad (4.5 min): https://youtu.be/XU_VjWMWqaU?t=461
2. Pogo the Ball Python (3.5 min): https://youtu.be/XU_VjWMWqaU?t=966
3. Braveheart the Red-tailed Hawk (6.5 min): https://youtu.be/XU_VjWMWqaU?t=2095

Pack your suitcase and join us for a trip around the world to explore some unique habitats and how animals survive in them!

We have created some helpful clips if you're unable to watch the full video:
1.L.1 What is a Habitat? (4 min): https://youtu.be/XEvyvBgH-8o?t=85
2.P.1 How Arctic Foxes hear mice (1 min): https://youtu.be/XEvyvBgH-8o?t=2309
3.L.1 Polar Bear Skin (40 sec): https://youtu.be/XEvyvBgH-8o?t=2118
4.L.1 Dolphin Echolocation (3 min): https://youtu.be/XEvyvBgH-8o?t=1074
4.L.1 Harbor Seal Whiskers (3 min): https://youtu.be/XEvyvBgH-8o?t=1367
4.L.1 Puffin Adaptations (3 min): https://youtu.be/XEvyvBgH-8o?t=1652
4.L.1 How Polar Bears Survive in the arctic (4 min 20 sec): https://youtu.be/XEvyvBgH-8o?t=1984
4.L.1 How Arctic Foxes survive in the arctic (2 min): https://youtu.be/XEvyvBgH-8o?t=2250
4.L.1 How Gorillas are adapted to Forests (4.5 min): https://youtu.be/XEvyvBgH-8o?t=2371
4.L.1 How Barred Owls are adapted to forests (8.5 min): https://youtu.be/XEvyvBgH-8o?t=2660
4.L.1 Sand cat and Camel desert adaptations (5 min): https://youtu.be/XEvyvBgH-8o?t=3284

Animal Encounters:
1. Giant Cave Cockroach (3 min 30 sec): https://youtu.be/XEvyvBgH-8o?t=316
2. Terra the Barred Owl (8.5 min): https://youtu.be/XEvyvBgH-8o?t=2660
3. Waffles the African Pygmy Hedgehog (3 min): https://youtu.be/XEvyvBgH-8o?t=3620