Werribee Open Range Zoo Kinder/Early Years

Werribee Open Range Zoo offers exciting Early Childhood programs that provide fun and safe ways for young children to explore natural environments and to get up-close-and-personal with our wildlife. 

Our Early Years programs provide great opportunities to discover, explore and connect with the natural world. Closely linked to VELS, our programs help students to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours that are the foundations of their future learning.

  • KINDER- Funny Features of Special Creatures

    This exciting Early Childhood Program will create a sense of wonder of the funny features of the zoos special creatures, and the way in which these features contribute to their survival.
    Explorative play activities and hands on animal encounters will foster discovery and creativity in the children, whilst allowing for continued development of an inquisitive mind and a greater connection to the natural world.

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  • Fur, Feathers, Scales and Skin

    Compare the similarities and differences of mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds and identify how the body covering of an animal can assist its survival.
    Students will have fun exploring animal body coverings through hands on animal encounters and imaginative role-play lead by our passionate wildlife experts!

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  • Growing Tales

    Come on a journey through the lives of animals and their amazing life cycles!
    Through hands on wildlife encounters & imaginative role-play students will have fun learning about the metamorphosis phenomenon.
    Students will also be set a challenge... to help us find the mother of some tiny eggs, by sorting through poo!

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  • Habitats under Threat

    Habitat loss is driving species to exctinction. Fortunately, it is not too late for many or the animals living alongside humans and now is the time to take action!
    Wildlife encounters facilitated by our passionate wildlife experts will provide students with a deeper understanding of the habitat requirements of each species along with their threats and a call to action!

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  • Habitat Detectives

    Habitat Detectives is a fun student-centred program that introduces the concept of habitats as homes for wildlife!
    Students will explore the natural beauty of the grassland habitat and search for clues with the Zoos Habitat Detective! They will also meet the exciting creatures that call grasslands home!

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  • Mini Keepers

    Keeping animals healthy and stimulated or enriched is an important part of a zoos role in caring for wildlife. Take a walk on the wild side and be prepared to get your hands dirty with Werribee Open Range Zoo and discover what a Keeper’s day really entails!

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