Zoofari initiative returns for 2016

Shop at any of The Warehouse stores in the Waikato and Coromandel this month, add $1 or more to your purchase and you'll help give kids from local low-decile schools a free educational experience at Hamilton Zoo.

For many schools, transport and admission costs make an education trip to the zoo impossible.

But through a partnership between Hamilton Zoo and The Warehouse, we are able to offer The Warehouse Zoofari programme. This programme transports students from decile 1-3 schools to the zoo, provides entry and an education session at no cost.

Funds will be raised through The Warehouse local stores by an "add a dollar to purchase" promotion where customers add $1 or more to their purchase during a three-week period which started on 9 March.
In 2015, more than $14,000 was raised enabling almost 800 students who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to visit Hamilton Zoo.

Hamilton Zoo Education Team Leader Ken Millwood says the contribution is small, but it makes a significant difference to the young people who get to visit.


Photo courtesy of Hamilton City Council

"Some students may never have the opportunity outside of this programme. Through community support, we’re making a difference in the lives of these children, and the education they receive provides conservation benefits for all of us,” he says.

“The feedback that we get from participating schools is overwhelmingly positive. We’re providing an experience that will be with them for life.”

The Warehouse Zoofari started as a partnership between The Warehouse and Auckland Zoo in 2013. Since then it has been extended into Northland and is also running at Wellington Zoo and Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch.

Decile 1-3 schools in the Waikato and Coromandel areas can apply now to Hamilton Zoo and class visits will take place from term three onwards.