Animal Appreciation 

How can I teach my young child to respect, observe and appreciate wildlife at zoos and while in nature? 

Toddler, preschool, elementary ages

There are many ways to help children respect and enjoy animals and nature. Some simple ways include reading books together about animals and watching TV, movies or documentaries about wildlife and nature. Encourage questions or comments about animals and search for answers on the Internet, in books or by visiting zoos and aquariums. 

Taking time with your child in nature can be as simple as observing things in local parks and wilderness areas, or even in your own backyard. Teach your child to just sit and quietly observe wildlife such as bugs, birds, squirrels and lizards without having to touch or chase them. Explain that the outdoors is home to wildlife, and we should respect their “homes” by not touching or picking them up. Teach them not to litter or pick flowers or leaves off plants, as they are often used as food or shelter for many small creatures. Encouraging respect for animals’ habitats is an important part of teaching children about protecting our environment. Spending time outdoors and in nature also helps promote creativity and curiosity.  

Visiting zoos, aquariums, farms and wildlife centers can help demonstrate to children what natural habitats for animals look like and provide insight into behavioral enrichment. Behavioral enrichment stimulates animals physically and mentally and often helps mimic what an animal would do in the wild to find food or get physical exercise. When visiting the zoo, take time to observe the animals and what they’re doing — even if they’re just sleeping! Most cat species spend 15-20 hours of the day resting and conserving energy for finding food. If you come across zoo staff, encourage your child to ask questions about how the animals are cared for at the zoo or ask how you can contribute to the conservation of wildlife. Seeing animals in the care of capable zoo staff may inspire them to learn more about wildlife or even work with animals in the future. The OC Zoo is home to native wildlife found throughout the Southwest United States and offers the opportunity for children to learn about wildlife found in their own “backyard,” including how to live among local wildlife and respect their habitats.   

Encourage and foster a child’s interest in animals by participating in classes, programs or events at zoos or aquariums. These programs teach compassion for animals and can help children develop empathy for all living things, including people. They help children learn and understand the diversity of wildlife and why it is important to conserve them.  

Lead by example and show your child how to respect and care for animals firsthand if you have pets. Teach children to understand that all animals have basic needs, including food, water, shelter and exercise. Demonstrate the difference between pets and “wild” animals.  

Respect and kindness to animals will be something your child carries throughout life. Children who learn to respect nature will become mindful of the environment, learn to appreciate it and be kind and considerate to animals and people. 

Marcy Crede-Booth is curator of education at the OC Zoo inside Irvine Regional Park in Orange. She has worked in zoos and aquariums for 25 years with a variety of animals, including marine life, reptiles, birds and mammals. She most enjoys creating and teaching education programs for children, and training and working with docent volunteers.