ALBANY ZOO FIELD GUIDE
Overnight at Chehaw: When the Zoo Goes Dark and the Swamp Comes Alive
Good Nights At The Swamp (GNATS) lets children sleep at Chehaw Park in Albany, Georgia, with a night hike, hands-on encounters with nocturnal animals, fireside stories and s'mores, and a behind-the-scenes morning wake-up with keepers.
Overnight at Chehaw: When the Zoo Goes Dark and the Swamp Comes Alive.
At Chehaw Park in Albany, the Good Nights At The Swamp program turns a routine visit into an immersive overnight: twilight brings a guided hike, close encounters with nocturnal species, fireside stories and s’mores, and a morning behind-the-scenes tour where participants help keepers ‘wake’ the animals.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A guided twilight hike through the zoo
The evening begins with a night hike around Chehaw, where participants encounter native nocturnal wildlife and explore the zoo after dark.
Fireside stories and s'mores
The program concludes the first night with stories around a fire and s’mores for the group to share.
Behind-the-scenes keeper experience
After an energizing breakfast, participants join an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour to help keepers ‘wake’ the animals, offering a rare insider view of zoo routines.
What the day feels like
What the night feels like
When the lights go out at Chehaw, the program shifts from daylight exhibits to a curated after-dark experience: a night hike and hands-on nocturnal encounters, an evening gathered around a campfire with stories and s’mores, and a morning that begins with breakfast and an exclusive keeper-led wake-up tour.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits best.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The GNATS program is GPS-based, which facilitates incorporation into lesson plans and organized group activities.
The program runs two themes—nocturnal animals and endangered species—which align with educational goals and group interests.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Who runs Good Nights At The Swamp (GNATS)?
GNATS is operated by Chehaw Park in Albany, Georgia.
What activities are included in the overnight?
Activities include a night hike, hands-on nocturnal animal encounters, fireside stories and s’mores, breakfast, and a behind-the-scenes morning tour to help keepers wake the animals.
Who is the program designed for?
The program is perfect for schools, scout troops, birthday parties, and other groups seeking an organized overnight zoo experience.
Are there educational themes?
Yes; GNATS offers two themes: nocturnal animals and endangered species.
What happens in the morning portion of the program?
Participants wake to breakfast and then join an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour to help keepers ‘wake’ the animals.
Is the experience suitable for curriculum integration?
Yes; the program is based around GPS and is designed to be easy to incorporate into teachers’ curricula.