A New Zoo for Central Auckland?

A New Zoo for Central Auckland?

This holidays sees the transformation of a Herne Bay School into a haven for pets and wildlife. Native insects mingle with newts and lizards and baby rabbits and puppies literally bounce around! For those that like the unusual there are eyeless fish, frogs that whistle and even giant stick insects!

This sudden influx of animals represents the brainchild of Auckland Zoologist Sally Hibbard, the force behind 'Oracle Animal Care Workshops', an Auckland based school holiday program.

"I wanted to provide young animal enthusiasts with a practical hands-on experience where they can learn how to care for animals in a fun and stimulating environment. It's really exciting seeing the students reactions when they are introduced to new animals and then can actually touch and interact with them. It's really rewarding work" says Ms Hibbard

Older students are taught just what it takes to become a vet or a zookeeper, dream jobs for many, and even how to set up their own local pet minding business. "There is a lot of interest in animal careers at the moment, no doubt partly due to the Zoo and SPCA TV programmes, so this is a really popular part of the course" says Ms Hibbard.

This new 'Zoo' will occupy it's temporary home throughout January where a team of veterinary nurses put the animals through their paces for the many children and young people attending workshops. Outside of holidays, the zoo becomes mobile, visiting schools throughout Auckland bringing biology lessons to life and teaching responsible pet care.

ENDS

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