Learn how our dedicated keepers make sure all the different animals continue to engage their inquisitive minds and encourage natural behaviours.

Guided by our facilitators, students will have the exciting opportunity to create interactive items for animals here at Auckland Zoo! From puzzles to play, scents to surprise, they’ll explore the creative ways we enrich the lives of the wildlife at the zoo and why it’s so important for their well-being.

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Bookings are essential. Available during term ​time. *Different rates may apply to international student groups.

Learning Outcomes:

Years 0-6

  • Understand how behavioural enrichments suits animals’ specific adaptations
  • Match behavioural enrichment items with the correct animal for their specific adaptation/ habitats
  • Physically create behavioural enrichment items that will eventually be delivered to specific animal groups

Years 7-8
Same as above, with the addition of:

  • Understand the concept of zoonosis and its importance when caring for animals in a zoo setting

Science – Living World

  1. Ecology Level 1-2 –Recognize that living things are suited to their particular habitat
  2. Ecology Level 3-4 - Explain how living things are suited to their particular habitat and how they respond to environmental changes, both natural and human-induced
  3. Ecology Level 5 - Investigate the interdependence of living things (including humans) in an ecosystem.

Science – Nature of Science

  1. Understanding about Science, Investigating in Science, Communicating in Science, Participating and Contributing.

Physical Education

  1. Relationships with other people Level 1-2
  2. Demonstrate respect through sharing and cooperation in groups
  3. Identify and demonstrate ways of maintaining and enhancing relationships between individuals and within groups
  4. Healthy Communities and environments Level 1-2
  5. Take individual and collective action to contribute to environments that can be enjoyed by all
  6. Contribute to and use simple guidelines and practices that promote physically and socially healthy classrooms, schools and local environments
  7. Movement concepts and motor skills Level 4
  8. Experience and demonstrate how science, technology, and the environment influence the selection and use of equipment in a variety of settings.

Education for Sustainability

Responsibility for Action, Sustainability, Interdependence, Biodiversity

What do we want for our young people? (New Zealand Curriculum, p8)

  1. Be actively involved – participate in a range of life contexts, contribute to the well-being of New Zealand – socially, culturally, economically and environmentally.
  2. This means Sustainability is a significant theme throughout the principles and values of the national curriculum in Aotearoa New Zealand and is important for a broad education. (New Zealand Curriculum, p16)

Download our RAMS here.

We recommend a complimentary pre-visit as part of your planning for your Zoo visit. Please contact the Conservation Learning team for more information.

Please note, these pre-visits are considered professional appointments and complimentary entry will not be provided for children or family members. 

Email: conservationlearning@aucklandzoo.co.nz
(09) 360 3817
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