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School Wild Winks

School Groups with children 7 years of age and older are invited to join the Houston Zoo for a unique nighttime adventure.  Wild Winks take place when The Houston Zoo is closed to the public .  Ready to head out on your own private safari equipped with a "zooper" educational trail guide?
 

What’s Included:
  • interactive, educational activities
  • guided walks with experienced Zoo staff
  • wild animal encounters
  • live, touchable animals
  • pizza dinner and continental breakfast
  • slumber inside the Zoo.  Weather permitting, participants will sleep in tents.
  • free admission into the Zoo when program ends
     

Time:  6:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.


For the courtesy of the other participants, and the safety and security of all, we ask that you not arrive late nor plan to leave the program early.
 
Cost:  $50 per person
 
Call 713-533-6543 for date availability.


Minimum of 20, Maximum of 60 people per evening—only registered participants may attend.
Children must be at least 7-years old.  Children under age 7 will not be admitted.  Ratio is 1 paying adult to every 5 children.
 
While overnights include touchable animals, hands-on activities, and animal viewing guided by Zoo staff, there are no behind-the-scenes tours.



Registration
Use our Community/Youth registration form to sign up for this program. Payment must accompany your registration. Registration and payment must be received at least 3 weeks (21 days) in advance of the program. 

To register fax your completed form to the Group Sales Department at  713-533-6783 or e-mail group.reservations@houstonzoo.org .
 
Cancellations
Patrons who provide a written notice of cancellation to the Group Sales Dept. (1513 Cambridge, Houston, TX 77030) on or before 3 weeks (21 days) prior to the program date will receive a full refund.  No refund will be issued after this date.  Program and date changes must be made at least 3 weeks (21 days) prior to the program date and are subject to availability.

 

The Houston Zoo reserves the right to cancel any program due to minimum enrollment, inclement weather or unforeseen circumstances, in which case a full refund will be issued.  Cancellations are official upon receipt of confirmation from the Houston Zoo.  The Houston Zoo charges a $30 fee for all returned checks. 
 


Frequently-Asked Questions:


Where do we sleep?
Weather permitting, participants sleep in tents on Zoo grounds.
 
What if it rains? What if the weather is really hot or really cold?
Dress for the weather.  We do not cancel the program unless the weather is severe and safety is a concern. In case of extreme weather, the group will sleep inside a Zoo building, but it is up to the Zoo staff member to make that decision.

 

What do I bring for my overnight stay?
A sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries, and change of clothing. You may also bring a small mat to sleep on if you wish. Please DO NOT bring inflatable air mattresses, cots, or more than one small clothing bag as we have limited space. Please leave electronics at home.
 
May I bring my camera?
The flash from cameras and flashlights disturb the animals at night, but you may take photos during the morning portion of the program.  Please leave cameras at home or with your belongings in your tent.

May we bring our own food and drink?
No, we provide sufficent food and drink for everyone.  If you have specific dietary needs (such as vegetarian), please let us know at the time of your reservation so that we may plan accordingly.
What if I have someone in my group that has special needs?
We can accommodate those with special needs, but please contact us prior to the program to let us know specifics.
 
Questions about the Program
For questions about the Wild WInk programs call 713-533-6543 or e-mail at wildwinks@houstonzoo.org .