Tertiary
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Use real-world contexts in your tertiary coursework.
A unique opportunity for university and TAFE students to engage with Zoos Victoria through applied, real-world learning. Zoos Victoria works with tertiary educators to support students studying education, animal care, science and related disciplines. Our programs provide practical insight into professional practice, ethics and decision-making within a conservation organisation, using the zoo as a living learning environment.
Pre-service teachers: Pedagogy in Practice
Give your pre-service teachers a behind-the-scenes look at how learning is designed and delivered at the zoo. Zoo Teachers will model one of our education programs and make the pedagogy visible, explaining the purpose, structure and teaching decisions behind the session. Students explore how learning is scaffolded, how engagement is supported and how curriculum-aligned programs are delivered in a non-classroom setting.
VET Animal Care Certificate II and III
This program explores the skills, knowledge and ethical frameworks that underpin professional animal care. Through real-world examples from Zoos Victoria, students investigate how decisions are made about animal welfare, safety and best practice, including nutrition, enrichment, training and healthcare. The program provides insight into professional standards and the responsibilities involved in working with animals in a conservation setting.
Biological sciences
You are welcome to use Zoos Victoria's VCE teaching resources and workshops to do refreshers about evolution, threatened species conservation, habitat management, and data collection and analysis. VCE Biology and Environmental Science programs include real case studies, and suggested activities at the zoo and in your classroom.
Other subject areas
Zoos Victoria offers tailored experiences for tertiary students across a range of disciplines. Through workshops and guided zoo experiences, students engage with issues central to Zoos Victoria’s conservation mission, including ethics, sustainability, human-wildlife relationships and organisational decision-making. Programs can be adapted to suit different study areas and learning goals. Zoo tours are also available for overseas guests and VIPs.
Self-guided excursions
Self-guided excursions offer a flexible learning option for tertiary groups who wish to explore the zoo at their own pace. Teaching guides are available to support planning and help educators shape the visit around specific learning objectives. A science ethics trail and accompanying teaching guide are also available for visits to Melbourne Zoo.
Planning your visit
The Plan Your Visit page has costings, risk assessments, payment information, travel details, sensory maps and social stories.
Your excursion will be outdoors. Please ask your students to dress for the weather.
Book your education experience
Use the online form to book your visit.
Make booking nowWhen you book, please include:
- Name of program
- Preferred date/s
- School name and address
- Contact details of organising teacher
- Number of students/classes and year level