The Zoo Mystery

“The Zoo Mystery,” made for kids ages 7 to 10, turns a trip to the zoo, a wildlife park, or a farm, or an animal game set up at home, into an investigation of a zookeeper who has disappeared and left behind a trail of small clues. Five stops lead the kids from enclosure to enclosure: recognize a paw print among several, find the animal that matches a fur clue, follow a map to the right path, and work out which meal goes with which resident. Each stop teaches kids to notice a real detail about an animal’s behavior or habitat, to follow a plan, and to link one clue to the next, without ever going in circles. The book includes the clue cards, a zoo map to customize, an investigation journal to fill in, and a guide for the grown-up who goes along with the group, with common-sense rules for watching animals without bothering them. It is perfect for a family outing, a one-of-a-kind birthday party, or an afternoon at home, and the game ends with the keeper found and a Zoo Detective diploma to cut out for each child. The guide also offers options for different places, backup hints, and a shorter version for the youngest players.