How Saigon Zoo’s Summer Camp Turns Kids into Real Zookeepers At Thảo Cầm Viên Sài Gòn, children aged 8 and above are stepping into the r...
How Saigon Zoo’s Summer Camp Turns Kids into Real Zookeepers
At Thảo Cầm Viên Sài Gòn, children aged 8 and above are stepping into the role of zookeepers this summer. They feed giraffes, walk pygmy horses, learn animal first aid, and discover the magic of nature away from their screens.
Every summer in Ho Chi Minh City, many parents struggle with the same question: how to keep their children away from phones and tablets while giving them meaningful experiences. This year, Thảo Cầm Viên Sài Gòn (Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens) has come up with a beautiful answer. From early June to the end of July 2026, the zoo is running its “Thảo Cầm Viên Junior Summer Camp,” where children don’t just visit animals — they become their caretakers for a day.
From my observation, this program is more than just a fun summer activity. It is a gentle but powerful way to help children reconnect with nature, develop empathy, and learn responsibility through real, hands-on experiences. In a world where many kids spend more time looking at screens than at living creatures, this kind of camp feels especially precious.
I believe experiences like these shape how children see the world. When a child carefully walks a pygmy horse or feeds a giraffe by hand, something changes inside them. They begin to understand that animals are not just characters on a screen — they are living beings that need care, respect, and love.
Saigon Zoo’s Junior Summer Camp 2026 lets children aged 8+ become real zookeepers for a day. Kids feed giraffes, walk pygmy horses, learn basic animal first aid, make recycled crafts, and join special night tours — helping them disconnect from screens and build a deeper connection with nature and wildlife.
Becoming a Real Zookeeper for a Day
The highlight of the camp is the “Zookeeper Experience.” Children spend nearly a full day at the zoo taking on real caretaker responsibilities. They learn how to care for animals, visit the veterinary area, and even practice basic first aid for animals. They also learn important safety skills, such as what to do if they get lost.
What makes this program special is that it doesn’t treat children like passive visitors. Instead, it gives them real tasks and real interactions. One day they might be feeding giraffes, another day they could be helping with the raccoons or watching the famous tiger tug-of-war. These hands-on moments create memories that last much longer than simply looking at animals through a fence.
Children wearing zookeeper vests and carefully feeding giraffes at Thảo Cầm Viên during the summer camp
Walking Pygmy Horses: A Gentle Lesson in Patience and Trust
One of the most popular activities is walking the pygmy horses around their enclosure. These small, gentle horses have become stars at the zoo, and children are thrilled to be able to lead them on a walk. This simple activity teaches kids patience, gentleness, and how to build trust with animals.
From my observation, many children who participate in this activity become noticeably calmer and more focused. Leading a living creature that depends on them helps them understand responsibility in a very natural way. It is not about rules or lectures — it is about real connection.
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Happy child gently walking a pygmy horse around the enclosure at Saigon Zoo summer camp
Learning Through Stories: Meeting the Zoo’s Famous Animal Stars
Every Saturday morning, zookeepers hold special storytelling sessions. They don’t just talk about animals in general — they share personal stories about the zoo’s beloved residents. Children hear about Chuong, the 67-year-old elephant, the giraffe couple Thao Chi and Phi, and the family of pygmy horses.
These stories help children see animals as individuals with personalities, habits, and even relationships. When kids learn that an elephant has lived at the zoo for decades or that two giraffes have a special bond, they start to care more deeply. This emotional connection is something that simply watching animals from afar can rarely achieve.
Night Tours and Special Animal Days: Discovering a Different Side of the Zoo
The camp also offers unique experiences like the “When Night Falls” night tour. Children get to explore the zoo when it is quiet and dark, learning about how different animals sleep, hunt, or behave at night. This gives them a completely new perspective compared to daytime visits.
Throughout the summer, there are also themed days celebrating Vietnamese Family Day, World Tiger Day, and International Elephant Day. These events combine fun performances with educational moments, making learning feel like celebration rather than schoolwork.
Creating with Their Hands: Recycled Crafts and Practical Skills
Besides animal interaction, children also make crafts using recycled materials. This activity helps them understand environmental responsibility while having fun. They learn that caring for animals also means caring for the planet they live on.
The program also teaches basic first aid and safety skills in a way that feels practical and empowering. These are life skills that stay with children long after summer ends.
Why This Kind of Experience Matters So Much in 2026
I truly believe that programs like the Thảo Cầm Viên Junior Summer Camp are more important now than ever. Many children today grow up with very limited direct contact with nature. They see animals mostly through videos and games. While technology has its benefits, nothing can replace the feeling of standing close to a real giraffe or gently leading a small horse.
Experiences like these help children develop empathy, responsibility, and a genuine love for living things. They also give families a rare chance to spend quality time together away from screens. In my view, this is the kind of summer memory that can shape how a child sees the world for years to come.
Would You Let Your Child Become a Zookeeper for a Day?
If you have children or know families with kids aged 8 and above, this summer camp at Thảo Cầm Viên is definitely worth considering. It offers something rare: real connection with animals, meaningful learning, and beautiful memories that no screen can provide.
Have you ever taken your child (or been taken as a child) to a place where you could interact closely with animals? What was that experience like for you? I would love to hear your stories and thoughts in the comments. Let’s continue sharing meaningful ways to help the next generation connect with nature!
Mong Thy
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