'Saturday Mornings at the Zoo' offered by Wild Wonders

Wild Wonders is a wildlife education and conservation center in Bonsall where kids and adults can connect with animals from all over the world. Wildlife Wonders offers different types of interactive experiences including live tours, school visits, birthday celebrations, and now they're even offering virtual experiences.

The "Saturday Mornings at the Zoo" program was developed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and this event takes place virtually every third Saturday of the month.

This virtual wildlife safari has a different focus each month. On Feb. 20, the focus of the lesson will be "The Emerald Forest" which involves animals from the rainforest. The animals that will be highlighted during this lesson are a boa constrictor, a kinkajou, their baby paca named Poquito, and a few other surprise guests.

Jackie Navarro, the director of Wild Wonders, said she is excited to be able to offer this unique opportunity virtually.

"Even though it's a virtual experience, it is still very interactive," she said. "We are able to bring the camera right up to the animal's eye, and you feel like you're right there with us!"

Each wildlife safari lasts around 40 minutes, and you learn about all the featured "animal ambassadors." Not only that, but the program only costs $20.

Wild Wonders is dedicated to giving their animals a forever home. About 65-70% of these animals were abandoned, then rescued by Wild Wonders. All the proceeds from the "Saturday morning at the Zoo" go back to the animals, keeping them healthy, well fed, and well cared for.

"We take them in and they become 'creature teachers'," said Navarro. "We have 120 animals at Wild Wonders, including bearcats, wallabies, owl monkeys, a Siberian lynx, and even an African cheetah."

Wild Wonders is one of the many organizations that has been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the staff are still eager to help the wildlife and educate the public. They have continued to support other organizations with a mission to preserve wildlife.

"We've faced so much," said Navarro. "We've had to completely reinvent ourselves and become even more creative. We're doing it all for you, the public; we wanted to continue educating even during these uncertain times."

The "Saturday Mornings at the Zoo" program is open to children, teens, adults, so everyone can learn something new and enjoy seeing the animals. This program allows people of all ages to continue learning in a safe, socially distanced environment, while supporting a local organization.

Registration is required for this experience, visit https://wildwonders.org/saturday-morning-at-the-zoo/ to register and to learn more about the program and future virtual safari adventures.