The passionate Zoodoo Crew are creating an exciting new direction and vision for the future of the zoo that will be centred on education, sustainability, partnerships, collaboration, and local community engagement.
Zoodoo is best known for it’s unique hands-on approach to educational experiences. In 2021 Zoodoo has been working collaboratively with experts in the fields of education and childhood development to expand and improve upon its school programs to ensure that teachers, students, and parents can be sure that children are receiving the best learning opportunities possible.
Zoodoo are now developing enquiry-based learning activities that adhere to the National Quality Framework.
Zoodoo is the perfect place for individuals and groups to engage in exploratory activities and discover a whole new passion for animals and the natural environment. With three main areas – Native Park, Barnyard, and Exotic Precinct – the zoo offers options for focussed educational activities or the freedom to investigate a range of animals.
- The Native Park invites guests to learn about species that have been native to Tasmania and Australia since the time before European settlement. We take this opportunity to recognise the traditional custodians of the land the Zoo was founded on, the Palawa people of Lutruwita, and the Merrimenner people of the Oyster Bay territory. Here you will find animals such as Tasmanian Devils, Possums, Gliders, Quolls, a range of Birds, a Cassowary, and of course Kangaroos and Wallabies that guests are invited to hand feed.
- From here, we encourage guests to wander up to the Barnyard, our newest habitat only opened in 2020. This area, featuring agricultural animals including rare heritage breeds, demonstrates the animals that may have been present as the Coal River Valley was developed into farmland. Take the opportunity to stop, have a picnic, and take in the beautiful views of the region. This area includes Ponies, Cows, Pigs, Goats, Sheep, Rabbits, Chickens, Guinea Pigs, Alpacas and more.
- Finally, the Exotic Precinct features Meerkats, Monkeys, Macaws, and a Zoodoo favourite, the Lions! This area of the Zoo creates a big picture understanding of wildlife around the world and why conservation and sustainability is vital on both a local and global scale. Located within the Exotic Precinct is the Education Centre, a space that can be adapted to nearly any group learning scenario.
Zoodoo’s flexible educational programs are being designed to work collaboratively with teachers and carers to support and expand children’s school curriculum education while allowing for individual’s innate curiosity, hypothesis, sense of wonder, and natural discovery of the zoo environment and its animals. The Zoo Crew have also worked closely with Southern Support School and Variety Tasmania to create meaningful, inclusive experiences for children of all abilities.
While there are many great options for larger groups, for small groups or individuals looking for a more focussed education on life within the Zoo Profession, we offer our Keeper for a Day Program. Capped at 6 participants per day, this experience allows exclusive behind the scenes access and invites participants to enter habitats, feed animals, make enrichment, have one-on-one time with a Zookeeper, do some of the dirty jobs, and have lots of fun while learning about a life working with animals!
With passionate staff, flexible educational programs, multiple structured spaces for a variety of lessons, and great hands-on experiences, Zoodoo is the perfect place for your next excursion or educational adventure! Follow Zoodoo on Facebook and Instagram or visit the Zoodoo website to stay updated on upcoming school holiday programs and educational opportunities.
