The ECS program engages with middle school through undergraduate students. The program runs in the traditional school year (September through June) and hosts two labs a day, Tuesday-Friday. We can host 15-40 students per lab. Please see the COVID-19 page for updates on classroom capacity. Note that the MINIMUM number of students is 15 and the MAXIMUM number of students is 40 to both qualify for the school rates to the Safari Park and to participate in our program. Each field trip gets to engage with one of our five modules at the Beckman Center for Conservation Research for half the day and has free time in the Safari Park the other half of the day. For more background and history on the ECS program, click here.

Recommended Bus Schedule Times:

Arrival 8:45 AM

Please note that the Safari Park does not open until 9:00am. However, we recommend arriving earlier to allow time for parking, using the restroom, allowing the students to eat a light morning snack, taking a stretch break, picking up your tickets, and heading to the lower level of the elevator (see the Directions to Meeting Point on the After Booking page).

Departure 2:45 PM

This is the earliest time your group will be back at the main entrance after completing the afternoon lab. This time may vary depending on how fast your group travels. Your group is always welcome to stay later than the recommended departure time.

Location of the San Diego Zoo Safari Park:

15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, CA 92027

The itinerary is based on a group with a morning and afternoon lab booked. If you are only doing one group, you would only follow the instructions for the morning or afternoon itinerary.

8:45 AM: Arrive at the front entrance and gather students, pick up tickets, snack, use the restroom.

9:00-9:30 AM: Enter Safari Park and escort the morning lab group (coyotes) to Locator 10.

9:30-12:00 PM: Morning group (coyotes) engage in ECS program at the Beckman Center. Afternoon group (bobcats) has free time and lunch in the Safari Park.

12:00 PM: Morning group (coyotes) returned to Safari Park, afternoon group (bobcats) will be met at Locator 10.

12:00-2:30 PM: Afternoon group (bobcats) engage in ECS program at the Beckman Center. Morning group (coyotes) has free time and lunch in the Safari Park.

2:30-2:45 PM: Afternoon group (bobcats) returned to Safari Park and may head back to the main entrance.

Groups are welcome to enjoy the Safari Park past 2:45pm, but please DO NOT schedule busses, chaperones, or students to leave before 2:45pm.

No person can walk to or from the Beckman Center without an employee escort. Please make sure no one plans to leave the facility without prior approval.

Click here for printable versions of the itinerary.

To be considered for Safari Park school rates, you must have a minimum of 15 students. Admission to the Safari Park includes the Africa Tram.

• San Diego county schools receive FREE admission per person (applies to both students and adults in the group) during traditional non-peak school dates (on peak attendance dates - rates apply).

• Out-of-county schools pay $15 per person (applies to both students and adults in the group).

• ECS program fees are $10 per student, chaperones and teachers DO NOT pay.

• Reservations must be made at least 2 weeks in advance to receive FREE parking (current parking is $15 per vehicle).

• If reservations are made within the 2 weeks before your visit, you will be charged a $25 late fee and you will not receive free parking.

If you are paying in advance, please note that no refunds will be given if fewer students/adults show up. If more show up than paid for, they will be subject to regular admission.

Please note that our free or highly reduced school rates are STRICTLY for students and their chaperones. Any schools found abusing this (ie. bringing friends, family, siblings, etc.) may lose any future privileges to our facilities. If you have any questions, just ask!

Our grants are designated on a first-come, first-served basis to underserved schools that meet current Title 1 requirements. If you are not sure if your school qualifies, you can request funding and we will check for you. Grant funding will include ADMISSION to the Safari Park (if applicable), ECS LAB FEES, PARKING, and TRANSPORTATION COSTS*. If you are selected for funding, we do require a few stipulations:

1. Our grantors prefer to see high student participation, so we ask that you bring between 32-40 students per lab to help us meet this.

2. You will receive a confirmation with your grantor’s name and the maximum amount allowed for your transportation*.

3. Your school will need to submit a bus invoice within 30 days following your field trip. (See the Grant Funded Groups section on the Visit Follow-Up page)

4. You will be asked to send thank you letters within 2 weeks following your field trip. (See the Grant Funded Groups section on the Visit Follow-Up page)

• One credentialed teacher is REQUIRED with each class/program.

• One chaperone is REQUIRED for every 10 students (we ask that chaperones are at least 25 years of age)

• 1:10 is the MINIMUM chaperone ratio, and 1:5 is the MAXIMUM chaperone ratio

• If there are student(s) with special needs, 1 adult per special needs student is allowed. Please notify field trip staff in advance.

• Notify us in advance if you are arriving by car, in this case, there may be a 1:4 chaperone ratio.

If you are arriving by car or exceed the maximum chaperone ratio, additional fees may apply.

Please contact conservationeducation@sdzwa.org for more information before your visit.

Click here to view chaperone responsibilities.

To avoid cancellation fees, please cancel at least 2 weeks PRIOR to your visit, we do prefer sooner to open your spot, but recognize this is not always possible depending on the circumstances