Class 8 has finished The Cambridge Checkpoint Course this semester and earlier this month they travelled to Bali Zoo and conservation centre in Gianyar. On this trip the park guide took the students on a tour through the main park and the newly completed Kampung Sumatra, where they surveyed the animals present, learning about their habitats, and behaviour. On show were a host of animals from African lions to saltwater crocodiles. Jackie, the zoos eldest orangutan, demonstrated his dominance by throwing a ball of dirt at two boys from 8X; no worry, only egos were bruised. The tour was concluded with an animal show highlighting some of the zoos more social animals.
Afterwards, we visited the laboratory where the zoos veterinary doctors were testing samples for parasites, a necessary task to keep all the animals healthy and happy. After taking a break to feed sugar cane and coconuts to the Sumatran elephants the students broke off into groups to make enrichment and training toys for some of the animals they met that day. These toys give the zoos residents opportunity to develop their dexterity and entertain themselves as they would in the wild.
“The excursion was pretty fun, I liked how we had interactions instead of just looking at the animals unlike a normal stroll through the zoo. There wasn’t a time where I felt bored and wanted to go home which realy shows how well the school scheduled this excursion. The lunch was so good too! It was surprisingly warm and tasted pretty nice!”
Gigi, Class 8
“The science field trip was really fun because I learned a lot about new things and saw things I have never seen before. I saw so many animals I never knew about, like the silver gibbon. I learned things we can do to help endangered animals. The last part of the trip we got to make food for the animals. I got to feed the elephant and the
sunbear. Overall, I think it was really amazing experience and i’m glad I went.”
Syahquille, Class 8