Sydney Zoo has inducted its first four Junior Conservationists onto the team, Piper Phillips, Soumya Tejpal, Holly Liggins, and Caitlin Hartnett.
The four will spend time caring for and learning about either the koalas, the Red-tailed Black Cockatoos, the Tassie Devils or WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo’s resident wombats.
While part of the journey will see each Junior Conservationist getting hands on with the animals’ daily routine, the programme will also extend to bigger conservation initiatives that will equip the young conservation champions with the knowledge to fuel their passion and inspire their peers to do their bit to help.
The Junior Conservation Programme is the first of its kind at the attraction and is set to be an ongoing initiative. During the journey, each Junior Conservationist will take part in a series of behind-the-scenes days with the keepers and will get involved with the attraction’s ongoing conservation program throughout the year and a Merlin annual pass.
Eight-year-old Caitlin Hartnett, Junior WILD LIFE Conservationist for wombats is passionate about animals, having travelled extensively through Africa at age five and being involved in a wildlife safari ranger programs.
“I was so excited when I found out I was going to be a Junior Conservationist, I have always enjoyed learning about animals and can’t wait to be part of the program. I love nature and think it is important to protect the environment so animals can give birth, grow, live and play happily. I think the wombat will love having me as their ambassador!”
WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo offers a variety of interactive activities for all wild life enthusiasts, with opportunities to get up close with the resident koalas to dining over breakfast inside the Koala Rooftop exhibit.
The attraction will also offer guests the chance to meet resident baby orphaned wombat Meg, who has been under intense care from one of WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo’s keepers.
Also launched at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo these school holidays is the chance for guests to touch creepy crawlies like bugs, worms and snails at an interactive touch table, as well as see a variety of bugs up close like never before with the all new Bug Cam.
Kids can become a WILD LIFE Bug Detective for the day, search for clues around the zoo and report findings to the Zoo Keepers to earn WILD LIFE Detective Collector Cards.
Where: WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo, Aquarium Wharf, Darling Harbour (next door to Sydney Aquarium)
Opening Hours:Open 9am – 8pm daily
Cost: Best price guaranteed online at www.wild-life.com.au with up to 30% discount.