A WALK ON THE WILD(LIFE) SIDE.

Byline: Scott McCaffrey Knight-Ridder Tribune News Wire

A theme park that brings you thrills and chills wants to bring your children some education. In summer, no less.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay pioneered its Zoo Camp 16 years ago and has seen it grow annually. This year, hundreds of kids are trading lazy days for a chance at a fun, educational experience.

The concept is simple: Use the park's extensive wildlife collection, totaling nearly 3,000 animals of more than 300 species, to give youngsters a leg up on their education.

``We keep things moving, keep them interested,'' said teacher Christine Charlick, who came to the park six years ago after graduating from the University of South Florida.

``This is the best age to teach,'' she said. ``They are smart enough to know what is going on, but they haven't gotten jaded yet. They understand what animals need for habitat.''

In a nearby classroom, another group of students practices making dragonflies with a variety of household items.

``We see a lot of animals each day; we learn a lot about ecology,'' said 8-year-old Tony Lyle of Tampa, a third-grader. Added 7-year-old Andy Weigand: ``I've learned a lot about tigers. I didn't know they could camouflage themselves. They look real cool.''

Zoo Camp sessions continue throughout the summer, with programs for kindergarten through high school level. Teachers are full-time employees of the theme park who perform outreach programs at other times of the year.

As might be expected, the more gnarly animals are the favorites of the younger set.

``I love the alligators. We feed them sausage,'' said 7-year-old Fallon Beyer of Lutes, Fla.

For information on 1997 classes, call [phone].

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Photo

Photo: Christine Charlick assists students Daniel Kline, Ja mie Rousch and Jake Cohen at the Busch Gardens Zoo Camp in Tampa Bay, Fla. The summer camp, run by the amusement park, teaches kids about nature.

Scott McCaffrey/Knight-Ridder Tribune Photo Service