Children are the conservationists of tomorrow.

No matter how we strive to conserve Australian wildlife and the beautiful landscapes they inhabit … if the next generation doesn't understand why we do it, our efforts will produce only short-term results.

At Kingbilli, we are dedicated to conserving all species of native wildlife, but Marsupials hold a special fascination.

These intriguing creatures possess unique physiologies, lifestyles and behaviours which have evolved to suit the harsh and geographically isolated Australian continent.

As a result, Marsupials have a vital role to play within the Australian environment, which makes them truly invaluable in terms of conservation.

With this in mind, we believe it is

essential the next generation of potential conservationists value Marsupials as they deserve. To this end, we've created Pouch Professors, an outdoor education activity designed especially for children … and all about Marsupials!

 

The term 'Marsupial' comes from the Latin word 'marsupium', which means 'pouch'. Female Marsupials give birth to tiny, almost embryonic babies known as joeys, which then complete their development within a specially designed pouch - rather like a permanently attached, centrally-heated handbag.

So, with a little play-on-words, Pouch Professors aims to take children of 'pouch age' and turn them into budding marsupial-experts.

Pouch Professors offers children an insight into the uniquely marsupialian way of life, helping them understand why these amazing animals are so important to our particular corner of the planet.

Now, learning is supposed to fun! So we like to keep it that way. Hence, Pouch Professors lacks all the formalities of a classroom, and sessions are as flexible their young participants.

The program is organised into a series of 1 hour

sessions, and youngsters may be as studious or
not as they please. Some may prefer to book just 1 session out of curiosity … whilst others may do all seven,

depending on their level of interest and length of stay at Kingbilli.

Each session focuses on a particular Marsupial or a closely related group of Marsupials. Children and their familes spend around 40 minutes learning the evolution and biology of their chosen species, before taking a short verbal test. After passing the test (no-one's failed yet!), they use their newfound knowledge to seek out the animals in question, and observe and photograph them.

All participants receive a personalised certificate, to let the world know their a qualified Pouch Professor!
 

The entire process takes place outdoors, and may involve ambling through the undergrowth; examining tracks, scats and other traces of the animals in question; looking for nests, burrows or tree hollows … or simply sitting on the grass in the shade of a gum tree.

Pouch Professors is intended for children aged between 7-14 years and designed to be informative to that age-group. Mum and Dad are welcome to join in ... and may find even they learn something new!
 
Science-basics are talked through in a relaxed, easy-to-follow fashion ... with plenty of time for children (and their folks!) to ask questions, discuss their current knowledge or thoughts, share anecdotes, and generally enjoy themselves in a wholly interactive process.

Topics covered in a session include:  
  • What is a Marsupial?
  • Marsupial evolution and the isolation of the Australian continent
  • Marsupial reproduction
  • Biology/Ecology of chosen Marsupial
  • Habitat requirements of chosen Marsupial
  • Conservation issues regarding chosen Marsupial
  • Things children can do to help
Seven different sessions are currently available from which to choose:
  • Bandicoots & Bilbies
  • Carnivorous Marsupials
  • Kangaroos
  • Koalas
  • Possums & Gliders
  • Wallabies
  • Wombats

Sessions commence at 4pm and last 1 hour.

The cost is $35 for 1 child, $45 for 2-3 children or $55 for the whole family.

As Kingbilli has only one resident Wildlife Biologist able to conduct this program, bookings are limited, and a minimum of 48 hours notice is required. To book a Pouch Professors session, click here to contact Kingbilli.
   
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