Bolles Lower School Whitehurst Campus Pre-K and Kindergarten students gained hands-on lessons in animal care this spring through visits from the Jacksonville Humane Society and the Jacksonville Zoo, emphasizing both pet safety and wildlife stewardship.

The Jacksonville Humane Society visited Kindergarten on April 23 to present on pet safety, teaching students how to responsibly interact with and care for pets. Representatives used stuffed animals to demonstrate behaviors and help students safely practice how to engage with unfamiliar dogs and cats. Leading up to the visit, students also organized a donation drive as part of their community service project, building on last year’s successful effort that saw strong participation from students and families.

On April 29, Pre-K and Kindergarten students welcomed animal ambassadors from the Jacksonville Zoo to the Pre-K cottage as part of the youngest Bulldogs’ “Z Day.” Students observed a tarantula and had the opportunity to touch a tortoise and an indigo snake while learning about animal care in a zoological setting. In addition, the presenter shared a hands-on experience with weighted baby gorilla plush models to demonstrate the size and care needs of infant animals. Students were also surprised to learn that the zoo’s tallest giraffe measures the height of five Bolles students stacked together!

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