LAKESIDE WILDLIFE FIELD GUIDE
Classrooms at the Fence: A School-Day Immersion at Forever Wild in Lakeside
A 2–2.5 hour, school-group–only visit to Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary that brings students up close to animals while emphasizing safety, care, and hands-on learning.
Classrooms at the Fence: A School-Day Immersion at Forever Wild in Lakeside.
Set on the grounds of Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Lakeside, this program is built exclusively for school groups: a private, supervised visit where children meet animals up close and learn about their care and habitat in a controlled setting.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Up-close animal learning in a sanctuary setting
The tour centers on direct encounters and interpretive learning, giving students a chance to observe animals and hear how caretakers manage habitat and welfare in a sanctuary environment tailored to school groups.
A private, secure visit limited to approved participants
School tours are closed to the general public; the sanctuary restricts entry to board‑approved school staff, chaperones and volunteers to maintain a safe environment for children.
Curriculum-friendly talks on care and habitat
Sessions emphasize animal care and habitat, designed to engage students with factual, age‑appropriate information delivered by sanctuary staff during the visit.
What the day feels like
What a school tour feels like
Over two to two-and-a-half hours, school groups move through a compact, staff‑led program at Forever Wild: an orientation and brief safety talk followed by closely supervised animal observations and educational discussion in an environment kept private for the visit.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program is (and isn’t) built for.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Closed‑toed shoes and weather‑appropriate clothing are required; the majority of enclosures are outdoors, so dress for sun or rain as needed.
Sturdy, closed‑toed shoes are mandatory; plan layers and sun or rain protection because most viewing areas are outside.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Are school tours open to the general public?
No. School tours are not open to the public; entry is limited to school board‑approved staff, chaperones and authorized volunteers.
Who is permitted to attend a school tour?
Attendance is restricted to the visiting school’s approved staff and chaperones and any board‑approved volunteers; parents or family members not approved through the school will not be permitted entry.
How long does a school tour last?
Tours last between 2 and 2.5 hours.
Where do we meet for the tour?
Meet at Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary in Lakeside; the sanctuary is the program’s designated meeting location.
What should students wear or bring?
Students must wear closed‑toed shoes and weather‑appropriate clothing, since most enclosures and viewing are outdoors.
Is a deposit required to book a school tour?
Yes. A 10% deposit is required for school tours, with the remaining payment collected prior to the tour at Forever Wild Animal Sanctuary.