Middle Kinglake Primary School Students William-Dale, Molly and (front) Tishara, Daniel, Nathan, Kelsey and Healesville Sanctuary’s Education Officer Hilary Tabrett get up close and personal to ‘Kermit’ the Tawny Frogmouth. 31197 By Monique Ebrington
PRIMARY schools from fire affected communities had a hoot at Healesville Sanctuary on Wednesday 20 May.
Middle Kinglake Primary School’s 135 students from Grade Prep to Grade 6 enjoyed their first excursion since the Black Saturday bushfires.
They were part of a larger group of more than 200 students from bushfire affected areas invited to Healesville Sanctuary as part of Education Week.
Middle Kinglake Primary’s Composite Grade 3/4 teacher Karen Somers said the excursion was a great day out for students.
“They have had an amazing time. The animals were very active in their enclosures and the weather has been perfect – the students really have had a lovely day,” Ms Somers said.
“It’s been great to take them away from all the black and the crackly bits.”
Healesville Sanctuary’s Director John Gibbons said that for more than 30 years, Healesville Sanctuary had been offering students and teachers fun and interactive opportunities.
“When schools visit, students and teachers connect with wildlife, better understand the natural world and are inspired to act to create a future where humans live in balance with nature,” Mr Gibbons said.
Healesville Sanctuary is celebrating its 75th year this month with a birthday party on Sunday 31 May.
Everyone is welcome to the day of animal encounters, didgeridoo and community choir performances, lamington cake and specially created points of historical interest throughout the sanctuary.
Free entry is available for anyone celebrating their birthday that weekend, anyone turning 75 this year or anyone born in 1975.
For more information on Healesville Sanctuary please phone 5957 2800 or visit www.zoo.org.au/HealesvilleSanctuary
