NATURE SCHOOL ENCOUNTERS AND ACTIVITIES

Below are examples of some of the encounters and activities we can include in your programme. The availability of some of the encounters depends on keeper availability and the season.

Lizard Encounter

This gentle close up encounter highlights the plight of our endemic Lizard species, their decline and what we can do to at home and school. We also have a wonderful display of a number of species of nocturnal and diurnal native Geckos in our reptile house.

Frog Encounter

This engaging encounter will encourage students to take an active interest in our moist skinned Amphibians. Each year in October the education team produce a public display at the park as part of Frog Week and students could further enhance this at school or at a public library or mall.

Tuatara Encounter (TERMS 1 AND 4 ONLY)

With the support of Ngati Koata and the Spinyback Trust, we can provide a fascinating Tuatara encounter for your students which is both engaging and informative. Where can you find tuatara in the wild? Is there only one species of Tuatara? Are they really a living Dinosaur?

The CITES Collection

Thanks to the support of the Department of Conservation, we have a selection of "confiscated items" from customs that students can examine (CITES is the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species). This activity can be included in programmes focusing on endangered species. It offers a unique opportunity for students to discuss and think critically about their values and attitudes towards animals and conservation issues.