South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is launching Zoo Minutes, a new educational content series created in partnership with Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, to give educators and students engaging, interactive ways to explore animals, habitats, science and conservation. Designed for use in classrooms through KnowItAll.org, videos will also be available to watch through SCETV’s streaming platforms, offering families and lifelong learners opportunities to explore the content.
Building on a program SCETV first introduced nearly 30 years ago, Zoo Minutes gives viewers a new way to experience Riverbanks, adding unique perspectives and encounters that bring additional dimensions of discovery. Each installment features a short-form video, an immersive 360-degree video that allows viewers to explore the space, and a 360-degree interactive with informational hotspots and interactive quizzes designed to encourage further learning.
The series takes viewers inside habitats and behind the scenes for close-up animal encounters, keeper insights, animal care and enrichment activities, as well as stories highlighting science and conservation. Featured stories include a fishing cat’s role in international conservation efforts, veterinary and animal care procedures, penguin biology, and adaptations and unique perspectives captured from inside and around animal habitats.
The first installment of Zoo Minutes will feature the penguin, fishing cat and radiated tortoise, giving viewers an up-close look at these animals, their habitats and the people who care for them. Additional installments will explore poison dart frogs, jellyfish, squirrel monkeys and more. Each story is developed in collaboration with the Riverbanks’ Animal Care Team, whose expertise provides viewers with a deeper understanding of the animals in their care. The educational content series also features “Crew Minutes,” offering a behind-the-scenes look at the production process and the work involved in capturing immersive footage and animal encounters.
Zoo Minutes is an SCETV production created in partnership with Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. The series was filmed at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia and highlights the animals, staff, conservation efforts and expertise found in South Carolina.
Accompanying educational resources were developed by SCETV’s Education team and designed for primary and secondary grades. The resources connect the series’ animal stories to science, conservation, careers and South Carolina learning standards. Through KnowItAll.org, educators can access the flexible, ready-to-use resources designed to bring meaningful learning from Zoo Minutes as well as other SCETV programming into the classroom.
While created with educators and students in mind, Zoo Minutes will be available for anyone to explore through SCETV’s digital platforms. Videos and interactives will begin releasing on Sept. 18 on SCETV.org, the SCETV Education YouTube channel and KnowItAll.org, with content also available through SCETV’s Education Facebook and Instagram pages.
For more information, visit SCETV.org/watch/zoo-minutes.
QUOTES
“Zoo Minutes builds on SCETV’s legacy of connecting South Carolinians with the animals and their caretakers across the state while using today’s technology to create new ways for audiences to explore and learn. By creating content specifically for educators and students while making it accessible to the public across SCETV’s digital platforms, this collaboration provides new opportunities to spark curiosity, deepen understanding and connect audiences with the animals and the people who care for them.” –SCETV President and CEO Adrienne Fairwell
“Education is at the heart of Zoo Minutes, and the series is designed to give students and educators multiple ways to engage with the same story. From immersive 360-degree experiences and interactive hotspots to quizzes and classroom resources, Zoo Minutes connects engaging animal stories with science, conservation and career exploration while giving educators flexible tools to support learning both inside and outside the classroom.” –SCETV Chief Learning Officer Dr. Salandra Bowman
“At the heart of Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is our mission to create connections, inspire action, and impact wildlife and wild places. Our partnership brings new and engaging ways to connect learners with the science, wildlife, and animal care at Riverbanks and beyond. This collaboration is a powerful opportunity to inspire the next generation through dynamic and immersive storytelling." –Riverbanks Zoo and Garden President and CEO Tommy Stringfellow
"Bringing the SCETV crew up close with the animals and Animal Care Team for Zoo Minutes was an incredible opportunity to connect new audiences with our work. We are proud to showcase the expert care we provide every day at Riverbanks. My hope is that this window into the world of animal care will inspire interest in wildlife for learners of all ages - and maybe even future zookeepers." –Riverbanks Zoo and Garden Vice President of Animal Care Greg Peccie
FAST FACTS
- Zoo Minutes, a new educational content series, launches on Sept. 18.
- Building on a program SCETV first introduced nearly 30 years ago, Zoo Minutes gives viewers a new way to experience Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
- Each installment features a short-form video, an immersive 360-degree video that allows viewers to explore the space, and a 360-degree interactive with informational hotspots and interactive quizzes designed to encourage further learning.
- Zoo Minutes is an SCETV production created in partnership with Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.
- Videos and interactives will be available to view on SCETV.org, the SCETV Education YouTube channel and KnowItAll.org, with content also available through SCETV’s Education Facebook and Instagram pages.
About South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio (SCETV) is the state's public educational broadcasting network. SCETV amplifies South Carolina voices, provides educational experiences and strengthens communities, while working toward creating a stronger, more connected and informed South Carolina. In addition to airing local programs, such as The Know Show, Making It Grow, and This Week in South Carolina, SCETV also presents multiple programs to regional and national audiences, including Books By The River, After Action, Kitchen Curious with Vivian Howard, Reel South and Southern Songwriters with Patrick Davis.
About Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is home to more than 3,000 magnificent and fascinating animals and one of America’s best public gardens. The Zoo opened on April 25, 1974, and for over five decades, has connected individuals, families and school children with the natural world. Riverbanks is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is recognized as a global leader in animal care and welfare, education, recreation, science and wildlife conservation. It is the mission of the Zoo and Garden to create meaningful connections and inspire actions that will have a lasting impact on wildlife and wild places. For more information, visit riverbanks.org.
Media Contacts
South Carolina ETV and Public Radio
Landon Masters
media@scetv.org
(803) 737-3337
Riverbanks Zoo and Garden
Matt Perron
mperron@riverbanks.org
(803) 602-0840
SCETV launches immersive educational content series Zoo Minutes (PDF)
