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Edmonton Valley Zoo Joins Robert Bateman's Get to Know Program

April 21, 2009

The Valley Zoo is pleased to be partnering with the Robert Bateman Get to Know program and launching this year’s art, writing and photography contest. Grade 1 students from Brookside Elementary attending the Petro-Canada Zoo School program will be learning about the importance of nature from local naturalist John Acorn. Following an inspired painting by Lucy, the children will also participate in an art project based on what they have learned about nature that morning.

Media are welcome to stop in at any time during the morning program.

Program:
9:30am – Welcome and VIP addresses
John Acorn – Why is nature important?
10:15am – Lucy the Asian Elephant will paint a painting inspired by nature
10:35am – Grade 1 children from the Petro-Canada Zoo School program will complete an art project  based on what has inspired them in nature this morning.

To help inspire participation, the Valley Zoo and John Janzen Nature Centre have created three opportunities for families with children ages 5 to 19.

April 25, 2009 – Get to Know…Snapshots of Nature
Location:  Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road
Saito Centre
1 – 4pm

Children ages 5-19 are invited to bring their cameras to the Valley Zoo for this afternoon of learning and fun.  Local photographer Carol Fox will help children learn how to photograph the Zoo’s animals and our experienced interpreters will help everyone to learn about these animals, their habitats and behaviours.  A display in the Saito Centre will help everyone learn more about wild animals and provide an opportunity to meet some animals up close and personal!

Guided photography walks will occur at 1:30pm, 2:30pm and 3:30pm.
Please meet in the Saito Centre.

Regular Zoo admission applies.

May 2, 2009 – Get to Know… Nature’s Poetry
Location:  John Janzen Nature Centre, corner of Fox Drive and Whitemud Drive
1 – 4pm

Nature has long inspired poets and authors. Today is your opportunity to be inspired by nature yourself. After learning about nature in Edmonton on a guided nature walk with an interpreter, we invite everyone to participate in a walk of inspiration and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings about nature, while learning what has inspired authors in the past.

Guided nature walks will happen at 1:45 and 2:30pm

Regular Nature Centre admission rates apply.

May 9, 2009 – Get to Know… Nature’s Works of Art
Location:  Valley Zoo, 13315 Buena Vista Road
Learning Lair
1 – 4pm

Local student artists will be set up throughout the Valley Zoo sharing their artistic skills as they sketch, draw and paint the Zoo’s diverse animal collection.  You’ll be able to participate in art projects too at the Learning Lair.  We’ll meet animals up close and personal and you can add an animal to our chalk mural or draw an animal to take home with you. While you’re at the Zoo, check out the artwork done by our Asian elephant, available for sale in the gift shop.

Regular Zoo admission rates apply.

About “Get To Know”
The Robert Bateman Get to Know Program has been inspiring connections between children and nature for nearly a decade.

The problem, as Robert Bateman describes it, is that we live in a society where youth recognize 1,000 corporate logos and fewer than 10 species of wildlife found in their communities. Robert Bateman wants to turn these numbers around. He believes that having students learn local species’ names and characteristics will create increased awareness and understanding for wildlife, which will in turn instil increased empathy for their well being. In short, he wants to facilitate young Canadians connecting with nature because he believes this is an important first step towards raising a generation who will care for the Earth’s well being.

It is also a goal of the Robert Bateman Get to Know Program that young Canadians spend more time outdoors. This is particularly important in this day and age as children continue to abandon outdoor experiences for those they can participate in from within the home. This detachment from nature, and resulting sedentary lifestyle, can have a negative effect on the development of children.

For more information:

General Information: 311 or 780-442-5311