Fifth graders at Fairfield's McKinley School capped off their latest unit with a special treat Thursday - a virtual field trip to the San Diego Zoo.

Teachers say it was a challenge to do a research and debate unit with their students without live classroom meetings. The students were assigned to research zoos and whether they are good for animals.

Special-educator Elizabeth Dellavolpe says a virtual field trip was the perfect way to get students engaged.

Students got their questions answered all the way from California by San Diego Zoo educator Andrew Seery.

Parents say it's a great way to get children excited about school.

Dellavolpe says it's proof that distance learning can be more than just Zoom calls and workbooks.

The San Diego Zoo website has live cameras for some of the park's most popular animal attractions.