Zoos Victoria
Teaching participants the daily routine and expectations of the staff at Werribee Open Range Zoo is the main aim of the game of the Keeper for a Day programme. Running during school holiday periods and designed for secondary school students, the hands- on experience includes speaking with the keepers themselves, interacting with the animals and their exhibits, and embarking on a safari tour across the savannah.
If you don’t have an entire day to spare, Melbourne Zoo’s Close-up Encounters allows animal enthusiasts young and old to experience face-to-face action with some of its most popular animals. Touch the giant tortoise, hop along with a kangaroo or hang loose with the local clan of meerkats. The staff will be on hand to guide you through the special moment and are more than eager to snap some fun shots on your phone or camera.
Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
The start of the school holidays means the exciting Eco Rangers programme at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is in full swing. With a different animal focus every day, a fun adventure is guaranteed for children aged six to 12. Hosted by the sanctuary’s Eco Ranger Guides, kids go behind-the-scenes to learn about animal care – they even the get the chance to feed and pet them. The day includes a mini train ride to explore Wild Island, stopping at the weirdly wonderful wombat burrows and super- duper spider web climb.
Teens keen to gain an in- depth understanding of our native wildlife can join the sanctuary’s Creature Keepers programme for 12- to 17-year- olds. The research they will conduct could focus on reptiles, birds, mammals or conservation depending on the time of the year.