Middle College Work Experience

Earlier this month, Middle College student Aliza Walsh participated in a work experience program with Australia Zoo.

“Over four days, I experienced many different aspects of working at a zoo. During the mornings and afternoons we spent time with the animals and the keepers while during the middle of the day, we participated in educational presentations. I found these interesting as we would learn about zoos, conservation and enrichment for the animals. One of my favourite days was when we made an enrichment activity for one of the species and then the next day, we gave it to them.

We spent a full day at one species and it would change each day. This gave us a good opportunity to really understand the species we were working with. I enjoyed interreacting with the animals and the keepers as well as the visitors who came to the zoo. It was great to see how engaged the keepers are with the animals and to see the animals so well cared for. It was interesting to see how the animals are taken for walks! Some with a little harness and for the wombats, a wagon follows in case they get tired! We cleaned the habitats, which was interesting. We weren’t cleaning just to make the habitats look appealing, but were also checking to ensure the species were healthy and safe.

Spending time grooming, observing, feeding and assisting animals with their enrichment activities was an amazing experience. As a visitor to the zoo I had seen that the animals looked well cared for. Now after doing work experience, I understand more deeply how the animals are loved and cared for with great passion. The zookeepers and Mitch (my coordinator) were all friendly, professional and passionate people giving me an informative and wonderful experience.”

Aliza Walsh, Year 9 Student