Zoo, Park and Aquaria Guidelines and Education Experiences
Offsite Education Experiences

Animal Enrichment Activities

ARAZPA Organisation: Monarto Zoological Park.

Experience Title: Animal Enrichment Activities.

Experience Synopsis: Students are invited to develop animal enrichment activities for Monarto Zoological Park animals as part of their technology programs. Students work in their schools communicating with the Park via email and fax. Each group selects the best design, makes a prototype and this is sent to the Park. Keepers provide feedback and where feasible some are developed for use in the animal habitats. The program is a way to involve students in the life of the Park and develop understandings of animal behaviour without the need to visit.

Audience: Year six to year twelve students.

Duration: As required by the schools.

Cost per Participant: There are no Park charges. To date costs have been absorbed by the schools. Where a prototype is to be developed, costs will be met by the Park. Where a local school is involved some negotiation regarding entry costs is undertaken.

Set-up Costs: Involves a large amount of human resource hours.

How the Experience is Marketed: Currently by word of mouth. We are currently looking at linking the program with outside activities such as the Oliphant Awards. If sufficient demand develops we will look to have an activity conducted in a specific school term.

Staffing: An Education Officer provides support to schools and liaison with keepers.

Links and Partners: N/A at present. We anticipate that with consultation, schools may eventually be able to construct full scale apparatus.

Evaluation: This program is still in its infancy. Park Keepers have been very supportive. It has helped with schools providing information regarding process and explanations of prototypes.

Additional Comments: Activity has been taken up by remote schools unable to visit. Use of technology (email, fax, phone) has opened opportunities. Local schools could visit the Park to meet with Park Keepers.

Contact: Monarto Zoological Park Education Ph: +61 8 8534 4100. 

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