G.A.T.E.WAYS and Werribee Open Range Zoo

invite gifted children with a love of animals to,

‘RANGERS ON PROBATION’

Werribee Open Range Zoo

K Road, Werribee – take Werribee South exit of the Princes Freeway

G.A.T.E.WAYS is an independent organisation offering challenging and enriching activities and experiences to develop and extend highly able children. Rangers on Probation is an interactive authentic learning experience that encourages students to step outside the safe confines of Werribee Open Range Zoo and launch into the role of a “Ranger on Probation!” Rangers on Probation are assigned to a training camp in Australia where they learn the skills and knowledge required to be a Wildlife Ranger! Upon successful completion of the Australian training camp, Rangers on Probation are informed that they will be transported into the wilds of The Congo, Africa for further training. Once there they are called upon to investigate a wildlife crime and develop a community conservation action plan!

DAY 1 Session 1: Ranger debrief & discovery session. Rangers on Probation are briefed on the current environmental issues threatening Australia’s wildlife and are set the challenge – to investigate how rangers can help native wildlife! Through hands-on animal interactions students, discuss the impact of European settlement on the Werribee River habitat corridor and learn the survival requirements of each species that call… or once called, the Werribee River habitat corridor home. Session 2: Along the boardwalk… Habitat Assessment. Rangers on Probation learn animal tracking techniques and discuss the special features of the Werribee River habitat corridor as they conduct a habitat assessment. Upon completion of the habitat assessment Rangers will propose which species are still living along the Werribee River, and which are no longer supported by this remnant habitat. Rangers will then discuss actions that can be a taken to help solve this problem! Session 3: Back from the brink. What is the role of a Zoo? Rangers hear the story of the elusive Eastern Barred Bandicoot before setting off to the Volcanic Plains to investigate this special release site. Rangers are asked to identify the different management strategies used to protect these critically endangered animals. They then get to meet one of our captive bred bandicoots, helping to build lasting connections with wildlife. Session 4: Safari tour and Un-nature trail. Rangers board the Safari bus and find out what conservation efforts are undertaken at Werribee Open Range Zoo both on-site and off-site in in- situ conservation programs. At the conclusion of the Safari, Rangers keen expertise is required to identify and link the man-made items hidden in the grasslands… Rangers must work in teams to locate as many of these items as possible. Using their problem solving skills rangers then determine what all of the items have in common and how each item effects native wildlife. Session 5: Laying it on the line! Rangers lay it all on the line when they are faced with the dilemma that there is nothing they can do to help Australia’s wildlife. Rangers are asked to make a conscious decision and decide whether they agree or disagree with this statement and justify their decisions. Through hands- on animal encounters Rangers will then investigate the threats to Australia’s wildlife and suggest actions that can be taken to help combat these threatening processes. Session 6: Congratulations… You have passed Stage One of your training! Rangers on Probation receive a hand delivered letter congratulating them on the successful completion of the Australian training camp and informing them of the next stage of their training, destination… Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Africa! Rangers will be briefed on how to prepare for their journey and should expect to face many new and exciting challenges!

DAY 2 Session 1: Ranger briefing & discovery session. After arriving safely in DRC, Africa, Rangers head to base camp for a briefing. They build upon their knowledge and skills and translate these to a global context. Hands on animal interactions provide a launch pad for discussion as rangers explore the survival requirements of some of Africa’s smaller species. Session 2: Deed to One Square Kilometre of African Rainforest Rangers will be tuned into the use of land and values of animals in the DRC. Session 3: Rangers on probation… Gorilla Guerrilla Gorilla! The Head Ranger in Pula reserve is relying upon the new recruits to resolve a tricky situation. Rangers will work together, utilising their wildlife Ranger tracking skills to discover what events took place in the reserve. Students will need to engage their problem solving skills to create a community conservation action plan to halt wildlife crimes recurring in the future. Session 4: Postcards from the edge and graduation. Rangers return to base camp and begin to debrief with the lead Ranger and report their findings back home. Rangers on Probation have all done a tremendous job and have successfully risen to the challenge of investigating the wildlife crime scene. An action plan to help protect wildlife has been developed and the Rangers hard work has ensured that the wildlife in DRC will remain safe! Rangers are formally presented with their certificate.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER Yvette Finlay has over 10 year’s experience in delivering authentic wildlife and environmental education at Zoos Victoria. Yvette has worked at both Melbourne Zoo and Werribee Open Range Zoo during this time creating rich learning opportunities for participants across a range of ages. Requirements: All activities will proceed regardless of weather, please ensure all students come adequately prepared for cold and wet or hot weather conditions. Students will be provided with a field booklet, which will outline their task. Observations, notes and other data can be recorded in these booklets. Please bring clipboard and pen; Waterproof jacket; Lunch, healthy snacks (no nuts please), drink bottle .