L.A. ZOO HOSTS ‘FAMILY DAY’ EVENT FOR LAUSD MIGRANT EDUCATION PROGRAM STUDENTS

45 Migrant Education Program Students from Across Los Angeles Shared Their Knowledge of Key L.A. Zoo Conservation Efforts with Zoo Guests

LOS ANGELES, CA - July 17, 2024 - The Los Angeles Zoo, in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), hosted its annual Migrant Education Program Family Day event on July 17, featuring artwork, displays, and presentations completed by 45 students, all children of migratory workers from across Los Angeles. This summer's group is hosted at Malabar Street Elementary School.

"Every year, I am more and more in awe of how quickly and deeply these young children connect with the animals in our Zoo and the wildlife around us," said Coral Barreiro, Manager of Community Partnerships, L.A. Zoo. "Our partnership with LAUSD brings a sense of community and stability to these kids who often move around frequently, and the Zoo is a perfect place for a young mind to learn and grow."

This year, students attended the Migrant Education Program at the Zoo between June 24 - July 17, focusing on the L.A. Zoo's conservation work with the Peninsular pronghorn, California condor, southern mountain yellow-legged frog, and California desert tortoise. Students met with animal care experts and learned about how these animals are cared for at the Zoo and the conservation work being done by the Zoo to protect these species from extinction in the wild. The culmination of this program is the Family Day Event on July 17 - a presentation showcasing the exhibit design and artwork that inspired the students during their visits.

"These are the types of experiences that can change a student's life trajectory," said Dr. Victor Gonzalez, Coordinator of the Migrant Education Program, LAUSD. "The students are excited about the animals and the vital conservation efforts of the L.A. Zoo. We want to foster this curiosity and excitement about learning to propel them towards graduation. For the last two years, Migrant Education has had 100% of our students graduate. We know that quality education and a passion for learning are part of the secret to success."

The Migrant Education Program is a federally funded program hosted by LAUSD to provide enriching opportunities for children of migratory workers in Los Angeles. Migrant children need special services because most are not working at grade level and must be helped to meet state and district standards. On average, children attend three different schools in one year. The Los Angeles Zoo is a longtime partner of the Migrant Education Program and offers educational experiences for eligible LAUSD students during eight visits over a summer term.

For more information on LAUSD's Migrant Education Program, visit LAUSD's website.

About the Los Angeles Zoo

The Los Angeles Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is dedicated to providing exemplary animal care and wellbeing. As a trusted leader in local and global conservation efforts, the Los Angeles Zoo is saving wildlife and connecting Angelenos to the natural world by delivering diverse learning opportunities and creating unforgettable experiences. The lush 133-acre campus and its passionate and dedicated team welcomes all to be inspired by the Zoo's vision to create a just and sustainable world where people and wildlife thrive, together. The Zoo is located on Zoo Drive in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Admission is $22 for adults and $17 for children ages 2 to 12. For information, call (323) 644-4200 or visit the L.A. Zoo website at www.lazoo.org.

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