The Warehouse School Zoo-fari a proven success

Auckland Zoo, in partnership with The Warehouse Group, is excited about its second school Zoo-fari season. The initiative started in 2013 and assists students from low decile schools to access the Zoo’s education programmes.

The Warehouse School Zoo-fari, with the help of Ritchie’s buses, transports students from schools to the Zoo, provides them with study materials and supports their participation in Zoo-based education, which includes up-close animal experiences.

A total of $112,000 has been presented to the Auckland Zoo by The Warehouse over the past two years to support the programme, including funds raised by the company and its suppliers at its recent annual Bob Tindall Golf Classic Charity Golf Tournament.

The Warehouse Executive GM Community and Environment, Paul Walsh was delighted with the amount raised: “The Warehouse is committed to supporting the community so we are really happy to be able to provide a significant donation to the Zoo-fari programme for the second year running.

“Auckland Zoo’s Discovery and Learning Centre provides fantastic learning opportunities to the thousands of children who will now be able to visit it.”

Schools Programme Manager for Auckland Zoo, Brian Ireland says “it’s brilliant being able to work alongside students and teachers to provide a high-quality learning experience that inspires them to care for wildlife, and to act positively for the environment.

“The Warehouse project proved hugely popular with students, teachers and parents last year and we can’t wait to see thousands more students enjoy the opportunity this year.”

Auckland Zoo director, Jonathan Wilcken says “We’re thrilled that The Warehouse shares our desire to enable even more young people to connect with nature in such a positive way to grow their awareness and appreciation of the environment.”

The first intake of school children on the Zoo-fari programme will be at the commencement of term two in May.

Zoo-fari facts
• About 10,000 students from throughout Auckland are expected to participate over the 2013-15 year period.
• Auckland Zoo currently hosts more than 50,000 students each year.
• $57,000 was raised by The Warehouse Group (TW Group) at The Bob Tindall Classic Golf Tournament, held at Muriwai on Thursday 20th March.
• A cheque for $57,000 was presented by Sir Stephen Tindall and Paul Walsh, The Warehouse Community & Environment GM, to Auckland Zoo for the Zoo-fari programme, which aims to see over 3000 children through the gates this year.

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