Visited by over 21 million people each year, EAAM parks connect people with animals.  They invoke curiosity of the natural world and its inhabitants through formal and informal education, spark conservation-minded behaviour, and motivate tomorrow's environmentalists, animal caretakers, scientists and researchers.  EAAM parks provide specialised and scientifically accurate educational programmes for all age groups in the hopes that our animals will inspire change.  Educational programmes are complemented by possibilities for internships, study courses and scientific research.  Nothing makes as strong an impression – and inspires action – as a direct encounter with the natural world.