A four-day immersive program for young people to explore animal welfare and community advocacy with Zoos Victoria.
Monday 21 September 2026
to Thursday 24 September 2026
9:30am - 3:30pm
Melbourne Zoo, Elliott Ave, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
TBA
Discover how your voice can help protect wildlife in this engaging program designed for young people aged 14-18 years. Over four action-packed days, participants will explore animal welfare, community campaigns, and behaviour change through Zoos Victoria’s Safe Cat, Safe Wildlife campaign.
Experience behind-the-scenes access, expert mentoring, and visits to key organisations such as the RSPCA and the Parliament of Victoria. This is a unique chance to make a difference in your community and be part of a larger movement for wildlife protection.
The program is limited to 30 participants to ensure a focused and interactive experience, with a minimum of 14 participants required for it to proceed.
The program runs from Monday 21 to Thursday 24 September 2026, daily from 09:30 to 15:30. Activities include workshops, excursions, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
- Day 1 & 2: Rainforest Room, Melbourne Zoo
- Day 3: RSPCA, Burwood (travel by private bus provided)
- Day 4: Parliament of Victoria, CBD (travel by train as a group; participants must have their own Myki card)
Participants will explore how modern zoos and the RSPCA care for animals, learn about behaviour change science, and understand how local councils and Parliament influence animal welfare.
The program begins at Melbourne Zoo, with excursions to RSPCA Burwood and the Parliament of Victoria in Melbourne’s CBD. Travel between locations on Day 3 is by private bus arranged by Zoos Victoria, and on Day 4 by train as a group.
Participants may also meet the group directly at excursion locations; detailed instructions will be provided on Day 1.
The venues are accessible and located within Melbourne’s metropolitan area, making it convenient for families in the region.
This is a drop-off program; parents or guardians are not required to attend. It is an outdoor, all-weather program, so suitable clothing is necessary.
Participants must remain within the designated grounds of Melbourne Zoo, RSPCA, and Parliament of Victoria throughout the program. They are responsible for carrying any personal medication.
Animal welfare is a priority; participants will not handle or touch animals during the program. First aid is provided by a qualified Zoos Victoria officer.
Tickets are non-refundable, and the program requires a minimum of 14 participants to proceed.
Ticket prices for Zoo Members and Non-Zoo Members are to be announced. The ticket includes Zoo admission, all workshops, food, behind-the-scenes experiences, access to industry experts, excursions including transport from Melbourne Zoo to RSPCA, and program materials.
Zoo membership offers discounts and additional benefits; non-members are encouraged to join to take advantage of these.
Bookings can be made through Zoos Victoria’s official channels, with a limited number of places available.
