Help more Kiwi kids visit the zoo
Songs about goin’ to the zoo, zoo, zoo, are on the hits list at schools all over New Zealand, but for thousands of Kiwi kids, singing along is as close as they’ll get to seeing the monkeys scritchscritch scratchin’.
But that’s changing thanks to Zoofari, a partnership programme between The Warehouse, the Jane Goodall Institute of New Zealand and zoos around the country that gives children from low-decile schools the chance to visit the zoo for free with their class.
Not only is a trip to the zoo a rite of passage associated with a classic Kiwi childhood, it’s an important learning experience. Books and YouTube clips may be available in classrooms, but nothing beats the smell of the elephant’s enclosure, the sounds of the lions at feeding time, and the chance to get up close and personal with critters at hands-on exhibits. That’s why the visits are very much environmental educational experiences, designed to inspire children to look at the natural world with new eyes, and realise the important part they can play in caring for it. Shari French, General Manager Community Relations at The Warehouse, says kids from families facing hardship can miss out on the opportunities a trip to the zoo offers. “There’s so much a child can gain from an educational visit to the zoo beyond the enjoyment of seeing animals,” says French. “They can learn about everything from caring for the environment, recycling and conservation, to the science of animals and nature. It can be an experience that really helps open up the world to a child.” Zoofari also gives kids the chance to be part of the Roots & Shoots programme with the Jane Goodall Institute of
New Zealand. The programme is all about empowering young people to change the future, and can be adopted by schools to continue student learning about environmental issues.
The Warehouse started the Zoofari campaign in 2012 to help kids from lowdecile areas of Auckland and Northland visit Auckland Zoo. Now, children across New Zealand are getting the same opportunities.
“It’s all part of how The Warehouse gives back to the community,” says Shari French. Supporting Zoofari is a great way to help level the playing field for Kiwi kids. You can help out at any of the 93
The Warehouse stores around the country by making a donation at checkout until March 27.
Going to the zoo, zoo, zoo? Help some Kiwi kids get there too, too, too.