It’s a different type of spring break for some students in the Treasure Valley. Instead of staying home or traveling, they’re at Zoo Boise learning the ins and outs of zoology.

Thirty-six students in grades second through 10 are getting a behind-the-scenes look at what takes place at the zoo through the Junior Zoologist and Zoo Careers spring break camps.

“The students are learning about biology and a wide variety about the animals, Liz Littman, the Assistant Director at Zoo Boise, said. “The camps shows the students all the features that go into running a zoo.”

During the weeklong camp, students explore zoo exhibits, create animal diets, conduct DNA extractions and observe and record animal behaviors.

“I’m learning the different career opportunities a zoo offers and what I need to study,” said Ripley Orr, a seventh-grader at Hillside Junior High School. “The lions got very close to the glass and that has been the best part so far.”

To learn more about other camps offered at Zoo Boise, click here.