Lowry Park Zoo

The Lowry Park Zoo and its programmatic partners will create the hybrid online and experiential program, “Wild Where We Live: Online and Experiential Enrichment for Early Learning Support.” Based on a previous program “Champions for Children” piloted in 2020, this project will further assist families in recovering from pandemic-related child learning and development challenges. Informed by the national “talk, read, sing” initiative, activities will include virtual Story Times by programmatic partner Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative with embedded animal presentations by the zoo; a nature activity kit and English/Spanish guide delivered to approximately 450 client family homes; “talk, read, sing” interpretive signage at the zoo; and free zoo admission for participating families. This program will serve families with young children facing significant challenges in preparing them for school due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially those with limited resources and language barriers.