The next generation of Victorians are learning to care for the state's precious and unique wildlife, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio today celebrated that every Victorian primary school has received a series of five storybooks about the state's native animals.
Produced by Zoos Victoria, the books use age-appropriate language to tell the story of endangered Victorian species, emphasising hope for their future and inspiring the next generation of conservationists to care for our unique environment.
Pippa the Mountain Pygmy-possum, Hope the Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Slink the Alpine She-oak Skink and Obie the Orange-bellied Parrot have been written and illustrated by Zoos Victoria Education Officer Kate Rijs. Gyack the Corroboree Frog also includes artwork provided by Shane Herrington, Wolgalu Man and Discovery Ranger.
The Labor Government is helping more primary and secondary students visit the Melbourne and Werribee Zoos and Healesville Sanctuary - boosting physical and emotional health and wellbeing through the $112.9 million Positive Start program.
In addition, almost 200,000 people visited Victoria's zoos in the Easter school holidays, amplified by the Government's Kids Visit Free program which gives young Victorians the opportunity to connect with nature and wildlife.
Teaching all Victorians to value nature is an important part of the Government's plan to halt the decline of our native plants and animals, Biodiversity 2037. The Government has invested over $560 million in protecting biodiversity since 2014 - more than any other in Victorian history.
An e-version of each will be available through the Zoos Victoria website during Term 2. The Zoos Victoria books are free and produced in partnership with PETstock.
As stated by Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio
"Teaching the next generation of Victorians to value our unique wildlife is central to protecting and strengthening the state's precious biodiversity."
As stated by Minister for Education James Merlino
"We know the pandemic has been challenging for all Victoria's kids - these programs give them an opportunity to get out and learn about nature in the zoo and in the classroom."
As stated by Member for Footscray Katie Hall
"It's fantastic to see kids across Victoria learning about the animals that make our state so special.
As stated by Zoos Victoria CEO Dr Jenny Gray
"Zoos Victoria is committed to ensuring we have a future rich in wildlife and investing in our youngest conservationists is an important part of that mission."
