From pests to taonga
The Zoology hands-on project will allow you to explore the amazing diversity of animals – from pests to precious native species – through hands-on activities and real-world science.
There will be a thread of wildlife management and conservation running through the project.
We’ll take a look at life behind the predator-proof fence at Orokonui, a special ecosanctuary that protects native taonga (treasures) such as reptiles and birds.
You’ll take part in a wallaby dissection to learn more about animal anatomy and physiology. Wallabies are a major pest species in parts of the South Island.
At Tūhura Otago Museum, we’ll look at the incredible diversity of life – past and present and explore how natural selection shapes the way animals look. In the Skulls session, you'll get hands-on with real animal skulls. Learn how to tell the difference between carnivores and herbivores by looking at their teeth, jaws, and eye positions, finishing with a fun skull-guessing game to test out your new skills!