educational activities

The greatest appeal of zoos and aquariums is undoubtedly the opportunity for anyone to easily observe living creatures in their natural habitats. In today's world, where the connection between humans, animals, and nature is weakening, encountering diverse living things can be the first step in learning.
We believe that learning at zoos and aquariums, which provide a moving opportunity to encounter living creatures, foster familiarity with them, deepen our understanding of them, and reflect on the importance of nature that has nurtured them, is also a place to build an important foundation for thinking about and acting upon the future of humans, animals, and nature.
We strive every day to ensure that zoos and aquariums become places where everyone, from children to adults, can learn in a fun way, deepen their understanding of nature and living creatures, and think about their future.

At zoos and aquariums, one wonderful way to enjoy yourself is to simply relax and watch your favorite animals. However, if you can discover the fascinating aspects of living creatures for yourself by actively "observing" them, your interest in animals and nature will surely deepen.
However, many people may not know where or how to look. Therefore, zoos and aquariums offer a variety of educational materials and programs that teach you how to observe animals in an interesting way.
If you take the time to carefully observe living creatures and notice their mysteries and wonders, you'll be able to appreciate the boundless charm they possess more deeply, rather than just ending with an impression of them being "cute" or "pretty."

It has been some time since the lack of natural experiences for children became a problem. Nowadays, many parents and teachers who interact with children do not have sufficient natural experiences. Without vivid encounters with the creatures that live in nature, it would be difficult for children to think deeply about nature.
We also focus on programs that connect people with the nature and creatures around them. We hold observation sessions that utilize the natural environment within the park, as well as experiences that allow people to visit tidal flats and other areas where creatures live.
We hope that what they learn at zoos and aquariums will not end there, but will encourage them to continue learning in the natural world around them and deepen their connection with nature and living things.

In recent years, increased media coverage of environmental issues, such as the critical situations facing living creatures on Earth and climate change caused by global warming, has heightened our interest in these issues. Solving environmental problems requires not only technological advancements and stricter regulations, but also a re-evaluation of our relationship with nature as individuals.
We hope that visitors to zoos and aquariums will use their encounters with animals as a starting point to understand the current state of animals and the natural environment, take it personally, and take action for the future of animals and nature. To this end, we actively engage in various initiatives, such as holding lectures and symposiums, and workshops where we can think together about "what we can do."

Zoos and aquariums attract a wide variety of visitors. Aiming to be a place where everyone can learn in an enjoyable way, Tokyo Metropolitan Zoos and Aquariums conduct diverse educational outreach activities. Each educational program is designed with careful consideration of "who," "what," and "how" to communicate. For example, even with the same theme, programs with different content and objectives are prepared to suit the target age group.
The educational program is something we create together with the participants. We want to use your opinions and feedback to improve the program and develop new programs. Please participate in the program and share your opinions and ideas.

Collaboration with schools is a crucial pillar of educational outreach activities at zoos and aquariums. For children with rich sensibilities and curiosity, lively encounters with living creatures and nature will be an invaluable experience. In addition to preparing a variety of programs for children who visit zoos and aquariums, we also offer outreach classes and online lessons for children who have difficulty visiting in person.
Furthermore, our training programs for elementary school teachers provide teachers with opportunities to enjoy and learn while interacting with living creatures and nature. Through these experiences, we support them in enriching their lessons and animal care at school. We also work with teachers to develop lessons and teaching materials in response to their individual needs.
We will continue to promote various initiatives to ensure that zoos and aquariums collaborate with schools to become places that support children's learning and growth.

Leveraging our past experience and expertise, we are developing more engaging and effective educational outreach activities, while also undertaking new initiatives centered around the Educational Outreach Center.