WildFuture: Your planet. Your voice. Your impact

7th – 10th of April 2026.

Rockhampton Zoo is excited to introduce the first Youth Conservation Program for teens to make a difference in helping to shape the future of our planet.

Across four inspiring days, 16 youths aged between 14 and 16, will work together to investigate real conservation concerns facing our planet and wildlife today. Guided by zoo professionals, participants will explore, question, research, and collaborate—transforming curiosity into meaningful action.

This hands‑on, inquiry‑based program challenges each group to dive deep into their chosen topic, develop creative solutions, and present their findings in a final exhibition for families, zoo staff, and the community.

Event Details

When: Tuesday 7th - Thursday 9th April: 9:00am -1:00pm Friday 10th April: 9:00am -2:00pm (Exhibition 12pm to 2pm)

Where: Rockhampton Zoo Visitor Meeting Rooms

Cost: $250

What to Expect

• Team‑based investigation of a real conservation challenge
• Behind‑the‑scenes insights from Rockhampton Zoo staff
• Inquiry-based research, and problem‑solving
• A showcase exhibition of each group’s conclusions and conservation ideas

Objectives

1. For students to engage in an in-depth, collaborative inquiry and to provide the students with an opportunity to demonstrate independence and responsibility for their own learning.
2. To provide students an opportunity to explore multiple perspectives while investigating possible solutions to global ecological problems.
3. For students to investigate, analyse, synthesize and organise information into a clear presentation, and to demonstrate their skills and knowledge showing evidence of inquiry-based research.
4. To encourage and promote confidence in oral, written and visual communication.
5. To encourage students to foster agency and commitment to shape their own futures and have the power to make positive change.
6. To collaborate with and unite students, teachers, parents and community members from the Rockhampton Region.

Whether they dream of working with animals, protecting the environment, or simply want to make a difference, this program empowers young people to become confident, informed conservation advocates.

To become one of 16 selected candidates, submit your application for possible selection to this wonderful opportunity.

Successful applicants will be notified by close of day on Wednesday 11th of March 2026. Payment must be received by close of day Sunday 15th of March 2026 to be accepted into the program. A payment link will be sent with the notification email to successful applicants.

APPLICATIONS NOW CLOSED FOR 2026

Terms and Conditions(PDF, 257KB)   Waiver and Indemnity(PDF, 187KB)