Red River Zoo Offers ‘Critter Camp’ for Young, Curious Minds

The Critter age range is from 4 to 6.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – “Critter camp is a really adorable one, because it’s for four-to-six-year-olds, so it’s really their first dip into what it’s like to be at zoo camp,” explained Sally Mulvena, president and CEO of the Red River Zoo.

“It’s especially designed to make sure the kids are really comfortable, because it’s the first time for many of them being dropped off at zoo camp without mom or dad.”

Monday, June 23 serves as the kickoff for the second installment of Critter Camp 2025 – a weeklong program designed to get kids accustomed to being around animals and learning about conservation.

They’ll get to meet many animals, like mini-Highland cows Wallace and Bruce, and Fred, the African Spurred Tortoise.

This Critter Camp, though, focuses on the “Creepy Crawlies” and how these arthropods navigate their native environments.

Which is something the zoo says is key – getting children to see and interact with animals that would normally be outside their geographic reach.

“Not everybody gets to travel the globe. Fred is from Africa – how many people are going to get that opportunity to go on safari? So this brings exotic animals to you in a safe and familiar and educational environment,” said Mulvena.

With the goal of spurring a lifelong love of nature – and learning.

“That’s what we’re doing here, is we’re just giving everyone their little first connection and insight and hopefully inspiration into the beautiful world that surrounds us,” she said.