Populations of organisms do not remain constant; the number of individuals can increase and decrease over time. Predator and prey relationships contribute to these changes.

In this workshop students will explore the classification system used to identify animals and reasons for classifying organisms. They will meet some amazing native animals and develop their ability to group living organisms according to a variety of common features. Each animal’s structural and behavioural adaptations will be discussed and how they help the species survive in the harsh Australian environment.

In this workshop students will develop an appreciation of the causes, consequences and management of deforestation taking place in Australia and Sumatra. They will examine how differing worldviews influence the importance people place on natural habitats and the environmental management strategies used in each country. They will feel empowered as they discover ways individuals can contribute to sustainability.

In this workshop students will engage with live animals to understand biological diversity and how it is achieved through Natural Selection. They will discuss examples of evidence that support evolution. Students will discover how adaptations increase an organism’s chance of survival and will explore the impacts that selection pressures have on population dynamics.

In this workshop students will explore how biodiversity is achieved through reproduction and heredity. Students will investigate a variety of reproductive methods and the influence of environmental factors on reproductive success and inheritance patterns. Students will learn how Taronga’s use of contemporary genetic research and reproductive technologies are helping ensure the conservation of many iconic species.

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is a well-established brand within conservation, tourism and communities. In this workshop students will discover how the success of Taronga’s brand and ability to achieve set objectives for wildlife comes from implementation of a strong business model that balances a dynamic strategic direction with the needs of diverse stakeholders.

In this workshop students will learn about TWPZ as an economic enterprise operation at a local scale. Taronga educators will provide information on the nature of the Zoo as an economic enterprise, focusing on the linkages and flows of people, goods, services and ideas, and the effects of global changes on the Zoo’s operations.