Perth Zoo celebrates Noongar seasons with new education program

In celebration of NAIDOC Week, Perth Zoo has launched a new education program which honours the changing Noongar seasons.

Unlike the European calendar, there are six Noongar seasons in Western Australia’s South West region, which are indicated by changes in local plants and animals.

Gwabba Boodja (Beautiful Bushland) has been designed for pre-primary to Year 2 to develop a greater connection to the environment thanks to traditional knowledge.

Through costume and storytelling, the program introduces children to the six Noongar seasons and the animals found in the South-West of Western Australia - many of which reside in the Zoo's Australian bushwalk.

Developed in conjunction with Justin Martin, Owner/Operator of Djurandi Dreaming and Perth Zoo's educators, the lessons help children discover more about the animals of the South-West, the importance of country, and how the bush changes to meet the needs of the animals.

WA Environment Minister Stephen Dawson notes "I am honoured to help launch Gwabba Boodja at Perth Zoo during NAIDOC Week.

"Perth Zoo plays an important role in educating Western Australians. The Zoo sees more than 14% of the State's school children for a formal education lesson every year, so it was important to us that we help our youngest Western Australians discover more about the world around them, thanks to the knowledge of the Whadjuk Noongar people.

"Thanks to this new program, students will come to understand that changing seasons are marked by the flowering of many different plants, the hibernation of reptiles and the moulting of swans rather than by looking at the dates on a calendar.

"I have no doubt the lessons will be popular and will help inspire students to learn more about Whadjuk Noongar seasons, while developing a greater respect for the land on which the Zoo sits."

Schools or teachers can book a lesson by visiting www.perthzoo.com.au

Image courtesy of Perth Zoo