Group visit to the zoo
What it actually looks like
What the children do
For groups of 10 or more, which must be from an institution such as a school, daycare, scout group or sports team. The cost is general admission prices with a 10 per cent discount, and the whole group must be paid for at once online before arriving. Groups split into lots of 12 or fewer and stagger their entrances by 15 to 30 minutes, with the previous lot out of the zoo before the next goes in. Only one large group is in the zoo at a time. They allow 30 to 60 minutes for each lot of 10 to 12, and a group may need to book several time slots. Daycare groups are asked to bring an extra person above their own ratio. Private tours and birthday parties are no longer offered. They suggest booking two to three months ahead to be sure of availability.
Walk round a small warm room of glass tanks holding about 50 species, then join the educator's continuous tour to hold the friendliest animals, a stick insect or a millipede, in their own hands. Going round on their own takes about 20 minutes and staying with the educator takes about an hour.
Good to know
Everything is indoors and warm, wheelchairs and strollers fit, and the washroom is shared with the building next door and is not step free. Nowhere to eat is published and food is not allowed inside, so plan lunch elsewhere and ask about bus parking.
Getting there
631 Courtney Street, Victoria, BC V8W 1B8