Welcome to week 2 of homeschooling and social distancing, AKA our new normal. But just because you’re inside indefinitely, that shouldn’t stop you from taking a trip to a local zoo or aquarium (don’t worry, this doesn’t involve your car or other people). Thanks to their virtual webcams and animal caretakers, you and your kids can watch feedings, take a zoo class and view YouTube videos of your favorite animals and local spots, streaming right on your iPad or computer—ready to come along?
featured image via @adventureaquarium
Here are the NJ zoos and aquariums you can visit virtually right now
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Adventure Aquarium
The Adventure Aquarium in Camden is closed for the foreseeable future but that doesn’t mean that we can’t visit them virtually. The aquarium offers entertainment for your littles by posting pictures of your favorite creatures, downloads of free printable coloring pages and word searches, and educational facts. Be sure to check out their storytime with the Penguins every Monday (click on their Facebook Page for times and more activities).
Cape May Zoo
Looking for that homeschool extra-curricular? Cape May Zoo is hosting a virtual Zoo School every weekday at 11:30 AM. Each day they will feature a short clip of a different animal and teach you all about it. At the end of every clip, they have a challenge for YOU to do right at home. You can show them how you completed your challenges by sharing photos or videos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram by using #cmczooschool.
Cohanzick Zoo
Established in 1934, Cohanzick Zoo is known as NJ’s first official zoo, and they’ve been posting updates during the quarantine. Whether it’s hosting their Virtual Zoobrarys (readings with the animals shared on Facebook) or sharing live updates of their animals (including Sassy the pig roaming the zoo) there is something for every animal lover. Be sure to check out their Facebook page for more.
Jenkinson’s Aquarium
Raise your hand if you want to see penguins being fed—that’s just one of the things that Jenkinson’s Aquarium is showing off during quarantine. There are daily feeds of seals too, as well as adventures of Wally the Sloth as he travels throughout Jenkinson’s. Be sure to check out their Facebook Page for more updates.
Lakota Wolf Preserve
The Warren County wolf and bobcat preserve are sharing videos of their animals being taken care of on Facebook—too cute!
The Raptor Trust
The Millington sanctuary may be closed, but their Facebook page is still operating with lots of information about birds, raptors, and endangered species—many of which they have in their care. They are also posting trivia on social media to educate the kiddos (and adults too).
Turtle Back Zoo
The zoo may be closed to the public, but they’re updating their Facebook page with fun animals to check out in the meantime. Be sure to watch how sea lions wait—a good way to show your littles the correct way to practice social distancing.
