Educational excursions to zoos and wildlife parks

Excursions to zoos and wildlife parks will expose students to a range of animals and their habitats, helping to reinforce classroom learning on animals, as well as conservation and environmental protection, and empathy and care for living creatures.

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At times, people question the morality of keeping animals in enclosures in zoos. Well-run, reputable modern zoos and wildlife parks, though, are not a prison for animals. Zoos and wildlife parks play an important role in the care and conservation of many species, some of which are endangered and at risk of eradication in the wild. Often, parks are set up in the animal’s natural habitat, with ample space for them to roam and explore. Many zoos and wildlife parks also act as animal hospitals, caring for sick and injured wildlife.

Education is essential to environmental conservation. Zoo staff are experts in their field and can help empower the next generation to make decisions which will positively impact the environment, and potentially protect an animal’s habitat. Seeing an animal up close can make it real, especially for younger students, as students understand that it needs to eat, rest, shelter and play much like we do. This in turn can help students understand the need to be environmentally responsible to protect animals and mitigate habitat destruction.

One study found that educational outcomes are enhanced by the structure of zoos, where education and entertainment are merged. Exciting, interactive environments, zoos and wildlife parks show students that discovery is exciting, and learning is an adventure.

Similar to other informal learning environments like museums and galleries, zoos and wildlife parks encourage unstructured exploration, and give students agency over their learning. Left to explore the space on their own, students will seek out exhibits which interest them, and form inquiry questions for further investigation. Conversations with educators, either at the zoo or in the classroom, can help reinforce this independent inquiry.

Another study from the US National Library of Medicine found that guided tours of zoos raise students connection to nature, including an interest in plants and animals. The benefit was most pronounced in students with an initially low or medium level of connection to nature.

Visiting zoos and wildlife parks can also instil in students a healthy sense of fear. Understanding that wild animals are dangerous and should not be approached is important for all children.

An added, and perhaps unintended benefit of a visit to a zoo or wildlife park, is the extra physical activity your students will enjoy. Light exercise like walking, and exposure to sunshine have both been linked to improved physical and mental wellbeing. A day away from the classroom and exploring while learning may invigorate your students, making them more energised when you return to normal lessons.

Zoo experiences can be curated to suit any age range or group size. Your students will benefit from specialised knowledge from an expert, which will enrich their learning experience. Many facilities offer resources to complement zoo visits so students can consolidate their learning back in the classroom.

If your school group can’t make it to a zoo or wildlife park, some providers offer at-school experiences, brining wildlife to your students.

Wild ideas for your next excursion

Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures is one of the longest operating tourist attractions in the Cairns region. Moving to new premises in 2002, it is Advance Eco Tourism Accredited.  Nestled in the heart of the Wangetti Valley, the wildlife sanctuary offers visitors the opportunity to see crocodiles in a natural melaleuca wetland lagoon, as well as cassowaries, native and exotic reptiles, kangaroos and birds in an expansive woodland forest as well as the sustainable crocodile farm.  A new Croc Wise interpretive centre is now under construction.

The Hartley’s team pride themselves on providing each school group with individual attention, with an experience that is best suited to their specific learning requirements. The team enjoys sharing their knowledge, insights and stories about the natural world, and how to be safe in crocodile country.  They are also renowned for their snake shows and safety talks.

More than 250 metres of timber boardwalks and pathways will take students on a journey of discovery through eucalypt woodlands, notophyll rainforest and wetlands for an authentic wildlife experience. All wildlife exhibits are open to public viewing, including the komodo dragon, alligators, cassowaries, wombats, koalas, emus, lizards, kangaroos and wallabies.

A range of entertaining and educational experiences can be enjoyed at Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, including snake show, koala talk, crocodile farm tour and cassowary feeding.