International Zoo Educators Association

Category: Member Spotlights

Descriptive text about our Member Spotlights category.

  • LoroFest 2026 – Zoológico Guadalajara

    Zoo visitors enjoy LoroFest

    On May 31, Zoológico Guadalajara celebrated LoroFest, an environmental education event dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of parrots and macaws, some of the most threatened bird species in Mexico. The festival brought together families, students, and wildlife enthusiasts for a day of interactive learning and conservation action.

    Visitors participated in educational talks, hands-on activities, games, and encounters with ambassador birds that highlighted the ecological importance of parrots as seed dispersers and key components of healthy ecosystems. Special exhibits showcased the challenges these species face in the wild, including habitat loss, illegal wildlife trade, and climate change.

    The event also featured conservation success stories and the role of zoological institutions in breeding, research, rescue, and public engagement programs that support parrot conservation. Through creative activities and direct interactions with educators, guests were encouraged to become advocates for wildlife by making informed choices and supporting conservation initiatives.

    LoroFest reflects Zoológico Guadalajara’s commitment to connecting people with nature and inspiring positive actions for biodiversity conservation, while celebrating the beauty, intelligence, and ecological value of parrots and macaws native to Mexico and other regions of the world.

  • Experience Night Camps at Zoológico Guadalajara

    Night Camps at Zoologico Guadalajara

    The Education Department at Guadalajara Zoo is pleased to share one of its longest-running educational programs, which has been offered for more than 20 years: Night Camps. This unique experience allows participants to spend a night at the zoo while discovering the fascinating adaptations of nocturnal animals through games, interactive talks, and a nighttime rally. During the activity, participants take on the role of a nocturnal species and embark on an exciting journey through “the world” after dark.

    Throughout the adventure, participants put all five senses to the test. They navigate dark environments, take part in a “Taste Challenge” that explores the senses of taste and smell, and remain alert to every sound as they avoid both natural predators and human predators who attempt to interrupt their journey.

    This immersive experience helps dispel common myths surrounding nocturnal animals and the darkness of the night itself.

    The Night Camps welcome elementary school groups, university students, and families, providing an engaging and memorable way to learn about the adaptations of nocturnal wildlife. Participants also explore the importance of food webs and gain a deeper understanding of how human actions can positively or negatively influence natural ecosystems.

    Guests enjoy Night Camps at Zoologico Guadalajara
    A figure dressed in dark clothing and a mask made of paper or other materials, holding a lantern. The figure is surrounded by darkness, creating a mysterious atmosphere.
    A group of children playing in the sand at night, one boy is blindfolded and kneeling down, while others are nearby, with a campfire flickering in the background.
    A group of people sitting around a campfire at night, with two individuals standing and speaking. The atmosphere is warm and communal.

  • Latin America Region Feature: Escuadrón Jabato (Wild Board Squad)

    Boy squatting next to plant as part of Escuadrón Jabato

    At Africam Safari, children are at the heart of wonder, discovery, and care. A long-term commitment to working with the sons, daughters, and grandchildren of staff members between the ages of 6 and 11 is a key priority. Since November 2024, the Escuadrón Jabato (Wild Boar Squad) has positively impacted participants’ holistic development by creating meaningful learning experiences that strengthen both their social and educational growth.

    Grounded in the principles of care-based pedagogy, environmental education, and active learning, Escuadrón Jabato promotes collaborative learning and has successfully built a “sounder” of 30 participants. Sessions are held every two weeks at Africam Safari and are scheduled to align with the working hours of parents and grandparents. The program has also established partnerships with professionals who contribute to the children’s learning and exploration process.

    Each session includes two key components: (1) discovering different areas of the park as living classrooms, where participants learn about animal welfare and engage with conservation programs; and (2) using play as a pedagogical tool to encourage meaningful, participatory, and contextualized learning.

    Consistent engagement with children in informal learning environments such as zoological institutions fosters profound personal growth and creates lasting positive impacts at both the social and environmental levels.

    Students participate in Wild Boar Squad at Africam Safari
    Two children observing a caterpillar outdoors while wearing matching t-shirts, showcasing their engagement with nature.
    A group of children walking together along a stone path in a park, each carrying backpacks. The scene is lush with greenery and trees in the background.
    An educator sitting on the grass presenting a painting to a group of children during an outdoor activity at Africam Safari in Puebla, Mexico.