Image courtesy of Auckland Zoo
<h4>A trip to the zoo offers far more than a welcome break from the classroom; it delivers a rich, immersive educational experience that sparks curiosity, supports holistic development, and strengthens students’ connection to the natural world.</h4>
<p>Zoos, aquariums and wildlife parks across Aotearoa New Zealand provide ākonga with a rich opportunity to learn beyond the four walls of a classroom. As students wander through habitats, observe native and exotic species, share their thoughts with peers, and engage with educators, they become active participants in their own learning journey. These real-world experiences stimulate intellectual inquiry, emotional engagement, and sensory exploration; encouraging learning that is inherently memorable.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.schoolnews.co.nz/latest-print-issue/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><b>Read the latest print edition of <em>School News</em> online HERE.</b></a></p>
<p>Research has found that educational outcomes are enhanced by the structure of zoos, where education and entertainment are merged. Stimulating, interactive environments, zoos and wildlife parks show students that discovery is exciting, and learning is an adventure.</p>
<p>Similar to other informal learning environments like museums and galleries, zoos and wildlife parks encourage unstructured exploration, and give students agency over their learning. Left to explore the space on their own, students seek out exhibits which interest them, and form inquiry questions for further investigation. Conversations with educators, either at the zoo or in the classroom, can help reinforce this independent inquiry.</p>
<p>Importantly, a school day at the zoo or wildlife park is not limited to passive observation. Many New Zealand wildlife institutions now deliver structured education programs that align with the New Zealand Curriculum and are thoughtfully tailored to suit different age groups and learning needs. Whether investigating ecosystems and food chains, identifying behavioural and physical adaptations, or unpacking environmental challenges such as species decline and climate change, these sessions allow students to explore scientific concepts in authentic, interactive ways.</p>
<figure id="attachment_34467" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34467" style="width: 456px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="wp-image-34467 " src="https://www.schoolnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SN70-EOTC-Zoos-and-wildlife-parks-Butterfly-Creek-2-1024x685.jpg" alt="" width="456" height="305" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34467" class="wp-caption-text">Image courtesy of Butterfly Creek</figcaption></figure>
<p>Many of these programs also embrace Māori perspectives on te taiao (the natural world), including the concept of kaitiakitanga (guardianship). By weaving te ao Māori into conservation education, these experiences ensure learning is not only curriculum-aligned but also culturally grounded and inclusive.</p>
<p>This approach aligns closely with the Department of Conservation’s (DOC) national education strategy, which champions connection to nature through informal, hands-on, and self-initiated learning.</p>
<p>DOC emphasises that fostering a sense of wonder, care, and responsibility for the natural world is essential to developing young people into informed and empowered guardians of Aotearoa’s biodiversity. Through support for teachers and a focus on experiential learning, DOC aims to grow students’ environmental knowledge, values, and conservation skills.</p>
<p>The importance of this work is echoed in public sentiment. According to DOC’s National Survey, 84 percent of New Zealanders say that conserving the natural environment is personally important to them. A further 79 percent believe conservation contributes to the wellbeing and prosperity of all New Zealanders, and 75 percent agree it should be a consideration in all major national decisions.</p>
<p>As environmental challenges mount, zoos, wildlife parks and outdoor educators are playing a vital role in inspiring the next generation. These experiences don’t just teach students about nature—they empower them to protect it. Whether it&#8217;s marvelling at marine life at the aquarium or learning about the plight of native birds, these moments help students see themselves not only as learners, but as future kaitiaki of Aotearoa.</p>
<p>A zoo experience can be curated to suit any age range or group size. Students will benefit from specialised knowledge from an expert, enriching and reinforcing their classroom learning.</p>
<figure id="attachment_34468" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34468" style="width: 443px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="wp-image-34468 " src="https://www.schoolnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SN70-EOTC-Zoos-Auckland-Zoo-3-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="443" height="295" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34468" class="wp-caption-text">Image supplied by Auckland Zoo</figcaption></figure>
<h4><strong>Some zoos and wildlife parks shared with us what they offer for school groups.</strong></h4>
<p><a href="https://www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Auckland Zoo</a> is a world-renowned conservation learning provider. Their mission is to connect young people with wildlife, building a generation of conservation scientists for the future. Auckland Zoo’s education program has been developed with the latest wildlife conservation science in mind. Programs also draw on the wealth of education experience within the team to ensure learning experiences are engaging and informative—inspiring informed action from Aotearoa’s younger citizens.</p>
<p>Onsite sessions are led by expert facilitators either through interactive classroom sessions or experiential sessions in one of the Zoo’s immersive tracks, before the opportunity to witness learnings throughout the rest of the Zoo. The curriculum linked sessions cover a range of topics — from Endangered Species and Sustainability, to Whakapapa and Protecting Aotearoa—and are tailored to learning outcomes for Years 0 to 13.</p>
<p>Auckland Zoo’s Conservation Learning Online, New Zealand’s first zoo-based online conservation learning platform, offers a variety of pre and post visit modules to get the most from your session and bring the Zoo to life in your classroom. For ākonga outside of Auckland, virtual sessions are a great way to bring the zoo to you with a variety of topics available for primary, intermediate and secondary classrooms.</p>
<figure id="attachment_34469" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34469" style="width: 477px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img class="wp-image-34469 " src="https://www.schoolnews.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/SN70-EOTC-Zoos-and-wildlife-parks-Butterfly-Creek-3-1024x685.jpg" alt="" width="477" height="319" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34469" class="wp-caption-text">Image courtesy of Butterfly Creek</figcaption></figure>
<p>At <a href="https://www.butterflycreek.co.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Butterfly Creek</a>, children have the opportunity to connect with nature and learn about different animals in a fun environment.</p>
<p>From the Butterfly House to lace monitors, meet animals up close and personal. At Buttermilk Farm, children can pet the chickens, goats and rabbits. Travel back in time in the Dinosaur Kingdom and discover life-size dinosaurs towering above you. Butterfly Creek has an amazing display of over 50 dinosaurs including the t-rex and velociraptor. Discover some of New Zealand’s native animals and insects such as the wētāpunga, moa and kiwi.</p>
<p>Every day, students can watch animal encounters where keepers feed and talk about a different animal. School groups can also enjoy a keeper talk, a great opportunity for children to learn more about an animal and ask the experts questions. Keeper talks are offered on kiwis, butterflies, dinosaurs, wētāpunga, eels and small reptiles.</p>
<p>Rain or shine, Butterfly Creek is the perfect place to explore as 75 percent of the park is undercover. With a dedicated groups coordinator, discounted rates, train rides, friendly keepers, fun playgrounds and lots of outdoor spaces, Butterfly Creek is the perfect place for your next school trip.</p>

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