Eyes closed tight.  Silence.  Not an animal to be heard.  The rustle of sleeping bags next to me as students rolled over on their camp mattress. My ears strained to hear the distant cries of animals.  Nothing. Surely there must be some animals awake close to midnight? We are, after all, sleeping overnight at Perth Zoo. Thwack! What was that loud din? Thud! Crash! Possums must be playing in the canopy above our sustainable eco barn which is our sleeping quarters for the night. Nuts falling from great heights and landing onto the tin roof, creating such a disturbing crash to ruin the silence of the night, yet, not one student stirs.  They are exhausted.  I am very pleased they are not like giraffes, who only sleep for seven minutes!

Our very talented young people from our Year 7 Academic Enrichment group camped overnight at Perth Zoo recently and participated in a range of activities including; up close and personal encounters with animals, constructing enrichment activities for animals such as the lemurs, a Race to Save around the grounds of the zoo, a night safari trek utilising red light torches through the African Savannah, team work games and mindfulness sessions. All these designed to challenge students by choice, develop trust, strengthen respect and develop deeper friendships within the group. 

Overwhelming success in the eyes of our students and the fabulous staff who attended.  Thank you to Ms Pignatiello, Mr Leenman, Ms Ferreri, Ms Steyn and students who all contributed to this unique and enjoyable experience.

Glynne Bartle
AEP Coordinator