During our visit to Menominee Park Zoo in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, students enjoyed a fun-filled day exploring the zoo and playing together at the playground. After spending time with the animals and enjoying the outdoors, we gathered to play board games that were created by the students themselves. It was a great way for everyone to share their creativity, have fun, and bond as a group while enjoying the beautiful park setting.
HI, MY NAME IS...
Students gathered in a circle and took turns introducing themselves by sharing their names and favorite foods. From popular picks like pizza, pasta, chicken, and rice to cultural favorites like fufu, everyone had a chance to express something about themselves. It was a fun and meaningful way to connect, learn more about each other, and celebrate the diverse backgrounds within the group.
WE ARE OFF TO THE ZOO!
Staff and students walked to Menominee Park Zoo, taking this beautiful bridge across the pond, and then, where they enjoyed seeing a variety of animals up close. Along the way, they engaged with several interactive displays scattered throughout the zoo, making the visit both educational and fun.
OTTERLY FUN
Students had a blast pretending to be the Menominee Park otters using the interactive head display. They took turns popping their heads through the exhibit, mimicking the playful nature of the otters and posing for fun photos. It was a lighthearted and engaging way to connect with the animals and added lots of laughter to our visit.
At Menominee Park Zoo, one of the fun and interactive activities was comparing our arm spans to the wingspans of various birds displayed on the wall. By stretching out our arms and lining them up with the labeled wings of birds like ducks, hawks, bald eagles, and more, we were able to see just how big these birds really are. It was a hands-on way to learn about wildlife and sparked lots of excitement and curiosity among the students.
WHATS YOUR WING SPAN?
POLLY HAD A SURPRISE FOR US!
This parrot took us all by surprise when one of our students said “hi” — and the parrot responded right back with a “hi” of its own! Everyone was amazed and excited to hear the parrot talk. It quickly became a highlight of our visit, sparking curiosity and laughter as students took turns trying to get a response. We were all fascinated by the bird’s ability to mimic human speech!
DONKEY DUTY
Students received a surprise lesson in animal care as they watched the Menominee Park Zoo staff tending to the animals. One staff member, in particular, was seen rubbing a special substance onto a donkey. She explained that it was used to moisturize the donkey’s skin and coat, keeping it healthy and comfortable. After she finished, the students were invited to pet the donkey, giving them a unique, up-close experience and a better understanding of the care and attention zoo animals receive every day.
ELK ENCOUNTER
The elk viewing cabin offered students a special opportunity to observe these majestic animals and learn more about them. Inside, they could touch samples of elk fur displayed on the wall, giving them a tactile connection to the animals. Through large glass windows, students eagerly scanned the surrounding area, hoping to spot the elk in their natural habitat from the safety and comfort of the cabin.
BEAR-Y GOOD IMPRESSIONS
Students searched carefully to spot the bear in Menominee Park’s newer exhibit. At first, they noticed the bear was sleeping peacefully in its cave, making it a bit tricky to find. After a little patience, the students finally spotted the bear and, inspired by their discovery, each gave their best bear impression—one student’s growl sounded especially realistic and impressed everyone!
DISCOVERY AND FUN
Overall, the trip to Menominee Park Zoo was an exciting and memorable experience for all the students. They not only got to see and learn about a variety of animals but also engaged in hands-on activities that brought their learning to life. From playful moments on the playground to discovering new facts through interactive exhibits, the day was filled with curiosity, laughter, and connection. This visit helped deepen their appreciation for wildlife and nature while strengthening bonds within the group.