DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — An interactive experience at Scovill Zoo is giving kids the chance to learn more about animals and their diets.

The Zoo Crew has been able to play an important role to two of the crowd favorite animals at the zoo. The campers go fishing every Friday to catch fish to feed the alligators and get a behind the scenes look at what it takes to be a zookeeper while learning more about animal science. 

Camp counselor Mikayala Craw says, "One of the cool things for our older group is that they get to go fishing where the fish they catch can be provided to the alligators as a food source."

This time the catch of the day was blue gill. After fishing for a few hours, the campers made their way back to the zoo and the keepers ran the dinner bell letting the alligators know that their lunch was ready. 

"The keepers feed them live to the alligators while the zoo crew get to watch what they caught and see it being used in real time."

The kids ages 7 to 13 are able to take part in the camp. Organizers hope that the camp gives kids the opportunity to learn more about different types of animals and the importance of conservation. 

Camp Counselor Mia Kerley says, "I think it is important for them to learn about the animals not only to teach them their needs and the environments that they need to be in but also that not every animal can be a pet."

Overall, the hope is that kids are able to create lasting memories and friendships while exploring the world of animal science. 

"Being able to create memories and also friendships as well, you know some knowledge that maybe they didn't have when they came into the program."

Letting campers walk away with a better understanding of their favorite zoo animals. This is just one of the many camps hosted by Scovill Zoo this summer. The zoo offers a wide variety of camps for all ages teaching different topics to encourage kids to grow their love and appreciation for animals. 

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