Upper School
Grade 10-12
Tribe Talks
Tribe Talks are a thirty-minute presentation delivered by one of our education staff in our beautiful surrounds (weather permitting). Of course, Australia Zoo has a reputation for up close encounters with our wildlife, and the Tribe Talk is no exception. The presentation includes a visit from an animal, relevant to your selected topic, that your students may have the opportunity to touch. There is also time for questions and answers at the conclusion of the Tribe Talk.
Tribe Talks are charged at our cheapest supplementary educational program rate, and can be delivered to groups of up to 40 students. Depending on staffing, we can accommodate up to two groups at a session time. Can't find the exact topic you're looking for? Give us a call, and we will discuss with you how we can modify an existing talk to suit your needs.
- Tourism
As one of the most widely recognised tourist attractions in the country, the history of how the Irwin's little wildlife park became an international tourist destination makes for an interesting study. In this talk your students will gain an insight into the history of the business, its daily operation, challenges we have faced, and our plans for the future. A great topic for business or tourism studies students.
- Marketing to the Millions
The marketing of Australia Zoo is often of specific interest to business studies groups. This modified version of our Tourism Tribe Talk includes information on how Australia Zoo is marketed, both overseas and here in Australia.
- Workplace Health and Safety
This topic was devised to give students an insight into how Workplace Health and Safety applies in a large and varied workplace like Australia Zoo. From working safely with Australia's apex predator to preventing sunburn, nothing is left to chance when working at Australia Zoo.
- Careers
A popular option with upper school groups visiting the Zoo on school camps, this talk provides advice for any students seeking to work in the animal or tourism industry. We also elaborate on the opportunities available within a tourist destination like Australia Zoo.
- Animal Behaviour and Training
Within Zoos, the understanding of animals' behaviour is imperative for their successful management. This topic explores the importance of this understanding, and also how we make use of animals' innate ability to learn.
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Captive Breeding
In today's world, where more species are being recognised as “threatened” than ever before, captive breeding programs in zoos are looked upon with great admiration and respect. In this topic we explore both the myths and realities of breeding animals in captivity.
- Understanding Biology for Captive Animals
Biology is the study of life. An understanding of biological principles is essential for effective captive animal management. The changes that have occurred in zoos over the years have been a direct result of a greater understanding of animal biology. This talk illustrates biological concepts of anatomy & physiology, nutrition & diet, reproduction & development, and behaviour, in the context of animal husbandry within the Zoo.
Walkabout Tours
A Walkabout Tour is a guided tour provided by one of our Education Officers. Key commentary is provided at select enclosures in accordance with the topic you have chosen. Walkabout tours can be up to 45 minutes in duration, and are best conducted for groups of between 10-15.
Education staff may be booked out for particular days, so advanced planning and bookings are essential. If you have any further questions about the content of our programs, or need help selecting one that is right for your group, please don't hesitate to contact us.
- Animal Adaptations Uncovered
Crocodilians have remained relatively unchanged for 100 million years. Your students will learn how the crocodile's structural, behavioural and physiological adaptations have ensured its phenomenal success as an organism. Following on from the Crocodile, we examine the extreme adaptations of the Koala and Cassowary and the role their adaptations play in their survival.
- Diversity and Classification
Having a collection of diverse as well as closely related species, Australia Zoo offers a great opportunity to explore the subject of animal diversity and classification. The concepts of hierarchy, relatedness and identification are explored, as well as the importance of binominal nomenclature. This tour offers the opportunity to contextualise what some teachers consider to be a relatively “dry” topic.
