U3A Members Enjoy an Inspiring Day Behind the Scenes at Melbourne Zoo
A flock of U3A members gathered at Melbourne Zoo on Thursday 26 March for a very special Caring for Animals workshop day, created exclusively for U3A in partnership with Zoos Victoria. And what a day it was!
The sun was shining for the morning group, who enjoyed clear skies before the rain arrived later in the afternoon. Members from Kingston, Darebin, Yarra City and Melbourne City U3As along with U3A Victoria President Annie Grigg attended the first session, making it a wonderful cross‑community event filled with conversation, learning and curiosity.
A Warm Welcome — With Meerkats and Monkeys
Workshops were held in the Rainforest Room — an unforgettable venue complete with Cottontop Tamarin monkeys visible through the windows. A delicious morning tea of fresh scones and corn fritters added to the relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
The program began with an engaging overview of zoo ethics and the philosophy guiding Zoos Victoria’s care for animals. Members learned that many of the zoo’s residents are considered insurance populations: living ambassadors and backup populations for species under serious threat of extinction in the wild.
A strong theme throughout the day was respect for animals as sentient beings. Zoo staff explained that interactions only occur when animals are comfortable and willing — never through force. Ethics, we learned, isn’t an add‑on at Melbourne Zoo; it is part of every decision, every enclosure design and every care routine.
Into the Field: Meerkat Encounters and Hands‑On Learning
A highlight for everyone was the guided visit to the meerkat habitat. Members observed the group’s behaviours up close while learning how keepers support their wellbeing through enrichment, environmental design and careful monitoring.
Participants were then invited to take part in a hands‑on activity: designing a new enrichment object for the meerkats based on their physical, social and behavioural needs. Ideas ranged from puzzle feeders to digging challenges — and the creativity of our U3A members did not disappoint!
A Day of Curiosity, Learning and Connection
Throughout the day, the passion of the zoo staff shone through, and their stories offered valuable insight into the science, ethics and daily dedication involved in caring for animals.
For U3A members, it was a chance not just to explore the zoo, but to understand it in a deeper way — and to share the experience with fellow learners from across Melbourne.
Whether you joined the morning or afternoon session, or plan to book for future U3A outings, this event was a reminder of what makes our community so special: a love of learning, an openness to new ideas, and a willingness to explore the world together.
To see photos from the workshop — including our close‑up meerkat moments and a peek inside the Rainforest Room — make sure you’re following us on Facebook. We’ll be sharing a gallery of highlights from the day, so drop by our page and relive the experience!