SustainABILITY
By taking part in SustainABILITY, students get a behind-the-scenes look at what Melbourne Zoo is doing to be at the forefront of sustainability. Students can then use their insights to explore opportunities for their school and home.
Program Description
Melbourne Zoo is now a carbon neutral organisation. SustainABILITY gives students the chance to explore the Zoo’s large-scale sustainability measures including water-saving, composting and waste-management practices and discover what it takes to maintaining animal exhibits. Learn all about our sustainability actions and processes and why this is important for people and wildlife. SustainABILITY gives students the know-how to understand sustainability issues and plan for a more sustainable future.
Students will learn:
- To consider the terms renewable and non-renewable in relation to various resources
- How humans impact the water-cycle
- The implications of environmental sustainability and liveability in an urban setting
- Gain inspiration to design action that will lead to a more equitable and sustainable future in their own lives
| Activity | Duration |
| Welcome and introduction to your day (arrivals between 9.40 - 10am) | 10 minutes |
| Session with Melbourne Zoo teacher | 40 minutes |
| Explore the Zoo – visit animal exhibits, attend educational keeper talks | 1 - 4 hours |
Program resources
Learning outcomes
Victorian Curriculum 7 – 8
Some of Earth’s resources are renewable, but others are non-renewable (VCSSU100)
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Students will learn about regenerating resources, such as composting, water reclamation and plant growth
Water is an important resource that cycles through the environment (VCSSU101)
- Students will learn how humans manage the water cycle at Melbourne Zoo
The challenges of managing and planning Australia’s urban future (VCGGK126)
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Students will learn about the challenges and implications of urban environmental sustainability measures
Explore the extent of ethical obligation and the implications for thinking about consequences and duties in decision-making and action (VCECD017)
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On the continuum between strictly obligatory and ‘above and beyond the call of duty’, students will learn the reasons and implications of Melbourne Zoos sustainability choices
Plan your excursion
SustainABILITY is an outdoor all-weather program; the students will need appropriate clothing for weather conditions. This could include a raincoat, hat and sun protection.
School groups will enter via Rail Gate. The organising teacher must present their booking confirmation to Admission staff prior to students and remaining teachers entering the Zoo. More information
You will need the following to book your excursion:
- Education program of your choice
- Preferred excursion date
- School name and address
- Contact details of organising teacher
- Number of students/classes and their year level