If you think having a zoo party is like throwing a party for a bunch of wild animals...this one is guaranteed to have them hanging from the trees. Get ready for an adventure safari.  You can begin this delightful safari with some animal theme favors, banners, and centerpieces added to your room. Greet each one of your guest with his/her very own Safari Hat Pith Helmet, Pith Safari Helmet or Camouflage Bucket Hat to set the mood.

Games

Jungle Knots
Sure to generate a lot of laughter!
Have children stand in a circle facing inward. Everyone extends his or her right hand into the ring and takes a hold of someone else's hand. They then do the same with their left hand. See if they can untangle the "knot" by stepping over, ducking under people, or turning around. Whatever happens, they can't let go of hands! 

Jungle Dream Wall Mural

Elephant Race
Divide your guests into two equal teams and form two lines. The first child in line bends over and lets one hand hang down and puts the other hand through his/her legs to the person behind him/her. The next person bends over and grabs the first persons "tail" with her "nose" and proceeds in the same fashion to the person behind him/her. Continue until all the elephants are joined. Have the two teams race to a specified distance and back again without breaking the chain.. The first team to finish first wins.  Reward the winning team with Jungle Beads or Jungle Animals

Spider Crawl
This can be used as an individual race or team relay. Have the children get into the spider crawl position (hands and feet on floor with head and torso facing up). Have them race to a finish line or through a course.

Animal Disguises
Create Animal Faces on your party guests. Don't forget to take pictures!

Refreshments

Dirt Cake
2 pkgs. Oreo cookies
2 large pkgs. instant chocolate pudding
1 large cool whip
2 8oz creme cheese
1 cup confectioners sugar
3 cups milk
2 teaspoons vanilla
Gummy Worms
Cream the cream cheese and conf. sugar together in a bowl. Add dry pudding mix and milk, beat until smooth. Fold in cool whip and vanilla, chill. Grind Oreo cookies until fine. Layer the pudding and cookies, with layer of cookies ending up on top. Place gummy worms on top and some half-way down.

Pizza Snakes
If those creepy crawlers give you the creeps, here's your chance to have some fun!
You will need some;
Refrigerated Pizza Dough
Pizza Sauce
Pizza toppings of your choice
Simply roll out the Pizza dough in the form of a snake you want. Add sauce, toppings, and an olive for the eye. Bake at 425 degrees for 6-8 minutes.

Include some Rubber Snakes or Vinyl Snakes in the party treat bags.

Critter Crunch
2 cups Honey Nut Cheerios cereal
2 cups teddy bear-shaped graham snacks
1 cup honey-roasted peanuts
1/2 cup raisins
Mix all ingredients and use Straw Pith Helmet for great serving containers for chips or how about some Animal Crackers!
Store in plastic bag or covered container.
Makes 8 servings

Decorations

Decorate pith helmets with bugs and snakes, complete your ensemble with a red bandana, and head off to the jungle with your flashlight!

Jungle Dream Wall Mural

Add some spark to your Safari Theme
Safari Candle
Safari Slinky Springs
Safari Fan

3" Animal Finger Puppets

ZOOKEEPERS

Many people like animals, but taking care of them is hard work. Zookeepers take care of wild animals in zoos and animal parks. They feed the animals, clean their living spaces, and work to keep them healthy.

Zookeepers watch the animals to see if they are sick or hurt. Keepers need to watch and listen carefully to notice any changes in behavior. Keepers write detailed notes about each animal and tell a veterinarian if there is a problem.

Some keepers give the animals objects to play with and explore. Many animals like playing with logs, sandboxes, and even water sprinklers. Keepers often hide food for the animals to find. Playing with food and toys helps animals stay active.

Sometimes, keepers train the animals to make caring for them easier. For example, keepers train elephants to lift their feet so that veterinarians can check them.

Teaching people about animals is another keeper task. Keepers answer people's questions and give presentations.

People who like animals often like working with them. Keepers like getting to know the animals. They also like helping with research. And they like learning how to help endangered animals in the wild.

But zoo keeping can be a dirty job. Keepers have to clean exhibit areas. Many keepers work outside in rain, heat, and every other kind of weather. They sometimes carry heavy containers of food. And because animals eat every day, some keepers work on weekends and holidays.

Zoo work can also be dangerous. Wild animals can bite, kick, or spread disease. Keepers almost never pet or play with the animals.

How do you get ready?

Many keepers go to college for 2 or 4 years. They often study biology, animal science, or some other science. Keepers also need to understand math so that they can measure food properly. Keepers need good writing and speaking skills, too, so that they can take notes and talk to the public.

Keepers also need experience caring for animals. Before working at a zoo, many keepers work in veterinary offices, pet stores, or farms. In those jobs, they clean animal cages and feed, watch, and care for animals.

Experience in a zoo is also good. Many keepers start as zoo volunteers.

How many jobs are there?

In 2004, there were about 172,000 animal care and service workers. A small number worked in zoos. Other animal care and service workers worked in animal hospitals and kennels. Others worked for animal shelters, stables, grooming shops, pet stores, theme parks, and circuses.

What about the future?

Employment of animal care and service workers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through 2014. But jobs in zoos are expected to grow more slowly than other animal care jobs.

Jobs for zookeepers are harder to find than other kinds of animal jobs. Many people want zoo jobs so there is competition for the work.

Item #... or keyword(s)

Safari Time Banner
On Safari Banner
Surfin Safari Banner
Safari Banners are tear and water resistant vinyl with metal rings for hanging. They ship in 48 hrs.

Animal Jungle Theme

Jungle Animal Plates
Zoo Animal Plates

Animal Print Party Supplies
Animal Print Guest Towels

Flamingo Tableware
sets a quiet aquatic mood.

World Safari Invites and Thank You Notes

Safari Craft Kit
Safari 48-Piece Favor Value Pack

Zoo Safari Party Favors

 Jungle Wrapper Candy Bar
Just select your wrapper category, pick a design, type your personalized message and add your photo or logo.

8" Bean Bag Animals
Wild Animal Tattoos

Animal Print Retro Glasses
Animal Slap Bracelet
Animal Print Fedora
Animal Print Bandanas
Animal Print Shoes

Jungle Animal Beads

Safari Seals
Safari Spring Toy
Animal Slap Bracelets
Tiger Print Balloons
Zoo Erasers
Zoo Pencils
Animal Head Hand Puppets
3" Animal Finger Puppets

Animal Slap Bracelet
Animal Print Derby
Animal Print Guitars

Animal Thermometer
Farm Animal Wood Puzzles
Animal Super Balls

Elephant Coloring Page

Tiger Hat
Leopard Big Daddy Hat
The Cowardly Lion Costume

Madagascar Pinata
Candy Assortment

You can almost hear them roar! Safari cake toppers feature one each lion, giraffe, elephant and zebra.

Jungle Animals Cake Toppers

Preschool Ideas
  Animals Thematic Unit
 Circus Thematic Unit

DVD / Videos / Books
  Kandula: An Elephant Story DVD
  Living with Tigers DVD

ZOO ANIMAL PRINTS

Click here to buy posters!