Our Year 10 Geography class has been studying environmental change and human management. To conclude the unit of study, we went on an excursion to Werribee Zoo. The day was jam packed full of exciting and educational experiences targeted to helping us understand the dangers and conditions facing wild gorillas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We participated in a role-play workshop and debate investigating how coltan mining is destroying habitats and putting gorillas’ lives in danger, threatening extinction. We explored the problems and causes of why gorillas lives are at risk and brainstormed what we can do to help. After this workshop, we had time to explore some of the zoo and then went on a safari bus to take an exhilarating and eye-opening tour of the different species that Werribee Zoo has to offer. We were driven through large open spaces full of a variety of native African animals including rhinoceroses, giraffes, zebras and many more. We were then allowed a period of time to explore the trails throughout the Zoo. Reflecting on our experience, it was eye opening and intriguing, full of many enjoyable and interactable things to do, and I would recommend for any younger students sceptical about Yr. 10 Geography to get involved.

Hamish Scott and Henry Robinson, Year 10