Above: Kambrya College student Tara with Melbourne Zoo worker Richard Robertson.By Callan Date
A BERWICK school has struck up an ongoing partnership with Melbourne Zoo.
Kambrya College students have established a plantation of acacias to be used to help feed an array of animals including elephants, giraffes and zebras.
Melbourne Zoo horticulturists visited the school last week to show the students how to harvest the plants properly to make sure they were useable at the zoo.
The project is the brainchild of teacher Alan Thwaites, who said it was an ideal way for students to take part in “effective learning”.
“Kambrya College seeks out authentic links with the community as these provide powerful learning opportunities for children,” he said.
“Working with experts in their fields, such as Melbourne Zoo staff, helps children to develop a deeper understanding of the complex world they live in.”
He said last week was the first official harvest of the plants with a truckload taken back to the zoo to feed elephants.
The first stages of the project began in 2004 with initial discussions between Mr Thwaites, City of Casey officials and Melbourne Zoo officials as to an appropriate plant.
Mr Thwaites said plans were being made to extend the plantation, under the supervision of zoo staff, so that Melbourne Zoo would be a regular and permanent part of the college program for students.
An arrangement has also been made for students to visit the zoo and feed the animals with the food they grow in Berwick.
