Auckland Zoo educator Kirsty MacFarlane engages Year 6 Morningside School students, from left, Nikau Heke, Zac Withers, JJ Wellington, Kyra Dodd and Eva Winch in the Te Wao Nui precinct during their Warehouse Zoofari last week.
Students from seven Northland schools will enjoy adventurous overnight stays at Auckland Zoo this month, thanks to The Warehouse Zoofari programme.
Now in its fourth year, the partnership between Auckland Zoo and The Warehouse, with support from Ritchies Transport, assists children from low-decile schools in Auckland and Northland to experience
conservation-based learning programmes at the zoo.
Throughout June, students from seven Northland schools - Morningside, Oturu, Oruaiti, Totara North, Ohaeawai and Ruawai primary schools and Opononi Area School - accompanied by teachers and caregivers, will participate in the programme. Morningside visited the zoo last week.
Their adventure included a guided night walk, a sleepover in the Old Elephant House, participating in structured interactive education sessions with zoo educators in the Te Wao Nui (New Zealand) precinct, and exploring other areas of the complex.
Auckland Zoo team leader for Schools Programmes, Laura Rayner, said the Zoofari programme offers children who wouldn't necessarily get the opportunity to visit Auckland Zoo an enriching experience that connects them to wildlife.
