Special programs showcase animals

Busch Gardens offers special programs related to its animals. These are scheduled for the rest of this year. A new set begins in January.

Behind the Scenes takes visitors through the zoo kitchen, zoo hospital and into the veldt area. Cost is $25 a person. Call for schedule.

Junior Zookeeper lets youngsters 4-5 learn about the care given to animals and includes such activities as feeding a giraffe, cleaning a turtle cage and grooming a goat. Cost is $20 a person. It is scheduled for the mornings of Oct. 5 and 26 and Nov. 9 and 23.

Photo Safaris take visitors into the veldt area in an outfitted flatbed truck to get close to the large African animals. Cost of the morning program is $15 per person, with ages limited to 16 and older. Groups (minimum 12) can book a Photo Safari at any time.

Night Hike takes youngsters on tour of the veldt and zoo back areas after the sun goes down. Cost is $20 per person, with sessions for ages 9-12 offered Oct. 4 and Oct. 18, and sessions for ages 13 and older Sept. 28 and Oct. 12.

Zoo Camp offers a series of summer learning activities, games and hands-on experiences to youngsters in three age groups. Sessions are held daily for a week.

First Look, for children up to 3 (a parent must accompany child), is designed to introduce toddlers to animals, their habits and abilities. Cost of the morning program is $20 total for parent and child. Coming dates are Sept. 21, Oct. 19, Nov. 2 and Nov. 15.

For information on all programs, call (813) 987-5555, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.