Condor Genetics - Learn about our efforts to save California condors, specifically with genetic research, and use critically endangered California condor DNA to conduct a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and gel electrophoresis to determine gender.

Recommended prerequisites: good grasp of DNA, introduction to lab instruments (micropipettes and mini centrifuges), understanding of pedigrees to track traits

Elephant Reproductive Endocrinology - Learn about the amazing utility of hormones in conservation. Conduct a mock enzyme immunoassay to determine reproductive status of our female African elephants at the Safari Park.

Recommended prerequisites: introduction to the endocrine system, introduction to lab instruments (micropipettes), basic understanding of sexual reproduction

Polar Bear Bioacoustics- Explore the global wildlife implications of climate change, especially as they pertain to the polar bear and its disappearing Arctic habitat. Learn how our staff use operant conditioning with polar bears at the Zoo to learn more about their hearing sensitivity, and explore connections with noise pollution associated with petroleum extraction.

Recommended prerequisites: knowledge of the greenhouse effect and global climate change, basic understanding of laptops and iTunes

Desert Tortoise Spatial Ecology - Combine GPS and radio telemetry tracking technology, computer programs, animal and plant ecology, and critical thinking to help solve conservation challenges threatening a local southern California species, the desert tortoise.

Recommended prerequisites: general knowledge of GPS technology, basic understanding of laptops and Google Earth Pro, introduction to ecology

Life in a Biodiversity Hotspot - Combine biodiversity monitoring techniques, animal and plant ecology, and critical thinking to help study, conserve, and restore a southern California habitat, coastal sage scrub. Techniques covered include: pitfall traps, camera traps, line transects, audio arrays and restoration beds.

Recommended prerequisites: introduction to ecology, general understanding of southern California weather patterns, plant and animal adaptations

Exploring Conservation Science Program High School/College Labs - 2.5 hours

Exploring Conservation Science Program Middle School Labs - 2.5 hours

Condor Genetics - Learn about our efforts to save California condors, conduct a chromosome study of condors to determine gender, and track condors using radio telemetry - the same technology that our scientists use!

Recommended prerequisites: introduction to DNA and chromosomes, general knowledge of GPS technology (like in your car or phone!)

Elephant Reproductive Endocrinology - Learn about animal reproduction, and how hormones can be used to help save species. Conduct a mock enzyme immunoassay to determine reproductive status of our female African elephants at the Safari Park.

Recommended prerequisites: introduction to the endocrine system, introduction to lab instruments (micropipettes), basic understanding of sexual reproduction

Polar Bear Bioacoustics - Explore the global wildlife implications of climate change, especially as they pertain to the polar bear and its disappearing Arctic habitat. Learn how our staff use operant conditioning with polar bears at the Zoo to learn more about their hearing sensitivity, and explore connections with noise pollution associated with petroleum extraction.

Recommended prerequisites: knowledge of the greenhouse effect and global climate change, basic understanding of laptops and iTunes

Desert Tortoise Spatial Ecology - Combine GPS and radio telemetry tracking technology, computer programs, animal and plant ecology, and critical thinking to help solve conservation challenges threatening a local southern California species, the desert tortoise.

Recommended prerequisites: general knowledge of GPS technology, basic understanding of laptops and Google Earth Pro, introduction to ecology

Life in a Biodiversity Hotspot - Combine biodiversity monitoring techniques, animal and plant ecology, and critical thinking to help study, conserve, and restore a southern California habitat, coastal sage scrub. Techniques covered include: pitfall traps, camera traps, line transects, audio arrays and restoration beds.

Recommended prerequisites: introduction to ecology, general understanding of southern California weather patterns, plant and animal adaptations