To the untrained observer, school-life is sometimes compared to being in a zoo, but from next year hundreds of Northland students will have the chance to study in a real zoo and learn from lions, tigers, giraffes and a few cheeky monkeys.
Students from low decile Northland schools will be able to experience a free zoo education experience thanks to the expansion of a partnership between Auckland Zoo and The Warehouse.
Now into its third year, The Warehouse School Zoofari is extending into Northland schools, adding to the 4000 Auckland students who will take part in the Zoofaries in terms two and three of 2015.
With funding from The Warehouse and support from Ritchies Transport, students can look forward to a Ministry of Education-certified learning experience, with the Zoo as a backdrop and many of the world's most beautiful and endangered species as the subjects.
Auckland Zoo Discovery and Learning manager Brian Ireland is thrilled to be extending Zoofari to schools in Northland - an opportunity that the students may not have otherwise had.
An Auckland Zoo educator will work with teachers to ensure integration into the school curriculum. Northland schools have the added excitement of a barbecue dinner and sleepover in the Zoo's Old Elephant House.
Funding for the 2015 programme will come from an "Add $1" promotion running in The Warehouse Auckland and Northland stores from, as well as in Auckland Zoo.
Northland schools interested in finding out more about the Zoofari can visit www.aucklandzoo.co.nz/education.
Auckland Zoo is home to the largest collection of native and exotic wildlife species in New Zealand, with more than 1000 animals and 130 species, and attracts more than 700,000 visitors annually.