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Virtual Close Encounters
Connect with Live Animals Online
Sunset Zoo's Virtual Close Encounter programs may be scheduled any day of the week; programming offered in English only. Animal availability is dependent on current care and feeding needs.
Virtual Close Encounters - 20-30 minute program | $40 per program
Close Encounters programs bring groups together with a live animal to explore body structure, the functions of specific structures, or to help drive understanding of animal diversity. Each program is individualized based on participation through question answering. Sunset Zoo staff are trained to engage audience through questions to help each participant further develop their observation skills and science understanding. The questioning also challenges participants to construct explanations so they can make sense of what they are experiencing. Thus, each program forms in front of the group and takes shape based on the background knowledge each group brings to the program.
Each program focuses on one live animal. At the time of booking, groups can choose from one of the following:
Virtual Close Encounters - 20-30 minute program | $40 per program
Close Encounters programs bring groups together with a live animal to explore body structure, the functions of specific structures, or to help drive understanding of animal diversity. Each program is individualized based on participation through question answering. Sunset Zoo staff are trained to engage audience through questions to help each participant further develop their observation skills and science understanding. The questioning also challenges participants to construct explanations so they can make sense of what they are experiencing. Thus, each program forms in front of the group and takes shape based on the background knowledge each group brings to the program.
Each program focuses on one live animal. At the time of booking, groups can choose from one of the following:
| Close Encounter Animals | |
|---|---|
| Ancona Duck | Ball Python |
| Bearded Dragon |
Domestic Ferret |
| Eastern Screech Owl |
Hissing Cockroach |
| Indian Star Tortoise |
Ornate Box Turtle |
| Sulcata Tortoise |
Virginia Opossum |
Additional Information
Booking a Sunset Zoo Virtual Close Encounter Program
Are you with a school district? Check to see if your District is part of the Center for Interactive Learning & Collaboration. Request your program through the CILC website. If you are not part of the CILC network, contact the Zoo directly.
Virtual Programs & Technology Requirements
Sunset Zoo's virtual programs provide an enhanced educational experience via the Internet delivered through video conferencing equipment. Unlike watching a video online, audience members can interact in real-time with the presenter creating a rich learning environment similar to an in-person experience. Sunset Zoo can connect with audience using two different methods:
Virtual Programs & Technology Requirements
Sunset Zoo's virtual programs provide an enhanced educational experience via the Internet delivered through video conferencing equipment. Unlike watching a video online, audience members can interact in real-time with the presenter creating a rich learning environment similar to an in-person experience. Sunset Zoo can connect with audience using two different methods:- an enterprise system deploying H.323 technology, like that used for Polycom, Tandberg, or Lifesize video conferencing systems. Sunset Zoo will provide an IP address upon booking a program to use for connecting.
- Zoom, a web-based video conferencing solution. This allows Sunset Zoo to connect to any group/person with a webcam. For booking/scheduling a Zoom connection, Sunset Zoo will email you a link for the connection once confirmed. Zoom operates in the background allowing most computers and other devices to bypass most firewall systems.
| Domestic Ferret |