Wildlife at risk 

Workshop overview

This immersive full-day Depth Study offers students a unique opportunity to work alongside Taronga’s scientists, keepers, and conservation experts to deepen their understanding of the urgent risks threatening wildlife populations both in Australia and globally. Biodiversity is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Yet, global trends reveal a dramatic decline in wildlife numbers due to natural and human influences. As a conservation society dedicated to fighting for the survival of wildlife around the world, Taronga is perfectly placed to engage students with depth studies on these critical topics, enriching their knowledge and inspiring meaningful action.​

In this program, students engage with authentic conservation data, explore cutting-edge technologies used in wildlife research, and participate in hands-on, inquiry-based learning activities that highlight the complexity of conservation science. They investigate the drivers of wildlife decline, analyse ecosystem impacts, and evaluate current
conservation efforts aimed at restoring populations and protecting fragile ecosystems. This experience not only builds critical STEM skills but also inspires students to recognise and embrace their role in supporting a resilient and sustainable future for our planet’s biodiversity.​

​The program contributes five hours to the Year 11 Depth Study requirement and can be complemented by pre‑ and post‑visit activities.

What’s Involved

On‑Site Full Day Program (Taronga Zoo Sydney)
A five‑hour experience including:

• Presentations and activities led by Taronga scientists, teachers and keepers on human impacts such as habitat loss, marine pollution and introduced species
• Data analysis from real conservation and research projects
• Exposure to technologies used in conservation science
  Up-close animal encounters
• Collaborative activities exploring solutions to protect wildlife and ecosystems

Online Program (Two Hours)
A digital event featuring presentations from:

• Taronga Wildlife Hospital staff
• Human behaviour change specialists
• Conservation scientists
• Taronga zookeepers

Students explore:

• Human impacts on wildlife (e.g., habitat loss, introduced species)
• Data from authentic conservation projects
• Conservation technologies and strategies