JUNGLE ISLAND INVITES KIDS TO WEEKLY FACEBOOK LIVE CHATS 

WITH POPULAR ANIMAL DOCTOR AND SPECIAL GUESTS, STARTING APRIL 16 

 

~ Miami’s Premier Eco-Adventure Park to Host LIVE Talks on Cool Animal 

Behaviors, Habitats and Wildlife Conservation in both English and Spanish ~

 

            MIAMI (April 10, 2020) – In addition to educational virtual online lessons, Jungle Island invites kiddos to join its popular veterinarian Dr. Jason Chatfield for weekly #ChatswithChatfield via Facebook LIVE, starting April 16, 2020.  Every Thursday at 3:30 p.m., Dr. Chatfield will be joined by a special star guest including Rocco, an adorable baby capuchin monkey; Luna, an endangered black-and-white ruffed lemur; and more. Simply visit Jungle Island’s Facebook page during the designated time and day, and watch the livestream from your computer, tablet or smart phone.  

 

During the weekly check-ins with the eco-adventure park’s animal doctor, kids will get to see and learn about cool animals including their unique behaviors, habitats and wildlife conservation. Dr. Chatfield will share updates on the health and specialized care of favorite animal ambassadors, along with what the park is doing differently amid the coronavirus health crisis. Participants can also test out their animal smarts via fun trivia quizzes. Chats with Chatfield will be followed by another session at 4 p.m. with Marisela Gutierrez who will conduct the discussion in Spanish for Jungle Island’s Hispanic viewers. 

 

“We are using technology in novel ways to engage with our young fans and to keep them entertained during the coronavirus outbreak,” says Dr. Chatfield, Vice President of Zoological Operations for Jungle Island. “For animal enthusiasts, these weekly chats will be a blast. Don’t forget to join me and my animal friends each Thursday at 3:30 p.m. from the safety of your home!” 

 

For homebound kids, Jungle Island also offers new virtual online learning opportunities, designed for children ages 5 to 12 years old. At 11 a.m. each weekday (Monday-Friday), Jungle Island’s Education Manager Emma Guss posts cool photos and a weblink to where kiddos and parents can locate the lesson of the day on the park’s Facebook or Instagram pages. Themes and projects each week range from making an alligator out of an egg crate for Everglades Exploration, building a nest while learning about birds during Spread Your Wings, Primate Practices and more. Guss leads the virtual learning exercises and has designated Tuesdays and Thursdays as “homework” days. Parents can find the assignments at www.jungleisland.com/homeschool and can email Guss with questions at education@jungleisland.com.  

 

For nearly 85-years, Jungle Island has proudly provided educational programs and tools for teachers to bring back to the classroom, and now virtual learning assignments and Facebook LIVE sessions that students can enjoy at home. Thousands of teachers and students visit Jungle Island annually through field trips, camps or general admission tickets donated to underprivileged children. From inspiring field trips and overnight expeditions that encourage interest in nature and wildlife discovery to unique teacher professional development, STEM education and outreach programs, Jungle Island is a valuable resource for interactive and sensory-based learning. 

 

About Jungle Island

Jungle Island, which is owned by Aventura-based ESJ Capital Partners, is undergoing a multi-million dollar transformation into a premier eco-adventure park and events destination. A favorite South Florida landmark since 1936, the attraction is located across from the cruise ports, between Downtown Miami and South Beach. Jungle Island proudly takes guests on an epic journey through nature, animals, discovery, and play. From behind-the-scenes VIP tours to unforgettable interactions with some of the world’s most fascinating animals and thrilling attractions, Jungle Island offers guests a variety of real-life jungle experiences. For more information, follow @JungleIsland on social media and visit www.jungleisland.com. 

 

About ESJ Capital Partners

ESJ Capital Partners, founded in 2008, is a diversified, institutional vertically integrated, real estate investment firm. ESJ utilizes its  breadth of experience and expertise to invest in attractive opportunities throughout the United States with an emphasis on the Southeast region. For more information, please visit www.esj.us.