Students in the LAUSD Migrant Education Program studied species such as the Peninsular pronghorn, California condor, southern mountain yellow-legged frog and California desert tortoise. (photo by Jamie Pham/Courtesy of the L.A. Zoo)

The Los Angeles Zoo, in partnership with the Los Angeles Unified School District, hosted its annual Migrant Education Program Family Day event on July 17, featuring artwork, displays and presentations by 45 students who are children of migratory workers.

“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 for the 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 the animals are cared for at the zoo and the conservation work to protect the species from extinction in the wild. The program culminated with the Family Day Event on July 17 – a presentation showcasing the exhibit design and artwork that inspired the students.

“These are the types of experiences that can change a student’s life trajectory,” said Dr. Victor Gonzalez, coordinator of the Migrant Education Program for LAUSD. “The students are excited about the animals and the vital conservation efforts of the L.A. Zoo.  For the last two years, Migrant Education has had 100% of our students graduate.”

The Migrant Education Program is a federally funded initiative administered by the LAUSD to provide enriching opportunities for children of migratory workers in Los Angeles. Migrant children need special services because many need assistance to meet state and district academic standards. On average, the 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 during summer.

The Los Angeles Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive. For information about the LAUSD’s Migrant Education Program, visit lausd.net. For information on the Los Angeles Zoo, visit lazoo.org.