Zoos Victoria Youth Advisory Committee

Chloe – 13 years

Growing up, I have always had a love and passion for animals and nature. At school, I am part of a group that focuses on holding events to raise money for charities. I am interested in lots of things, including arts, sports, wildlife, and nature. Being an environmental leader in primary school has helped me to learn more about nature and the small things we can do to help the planet.

One of my best friends recommended the Zoos Victoria Youth Advisory Committee to me and I am so thankful to her. I decided to apply for the committee because I want to learn more about wildlife and the zoo and connect and share ideas with youth who have similar interests. I am keen to use my voice to ensure that wildlife and conservation issues and challenges are discussed well into the future, and to inspire others to make their voices heard.  

Chloe – 15 years

From a young age I have always had a passion and love for animals and wildlife. Living in the country I am always surrounded by beautiful nature and wildlife. I joined the Youth Advisory Committee because I want to expand my knowledge about how we can help wildlife, voice our concerns, and help younger people who also have this passion have their voices heard.

Once I finish high school I would love to pursue my career with animals. Joining this committee is one of the best decisions I have made. It's been extremely fun and interesting. It's also been good that I have met new people around my age with the same interests and passion. I'm so honoured and proud to be on the committee and I can't wait to see the difference we make.  

Emma – 17 years 

As someone who loves nature, I believe it is important for people to feel connected to nature before they can truly understand the importance of protecting it. That is why I have joined the Youth Advisory Committee; to help make the zoo a space where youth can grow their connection with animals. 

I am currently doing VCE and am interested in the science subjects. I love adventure hiking, surfing, and skiing. In primary school, I was school captain with my friend Nate. Together, we helped our school participate in the We’re Calling On You Challenge, the When Balloons Fly Seabirds Die campaign, and the Common Cents Challenge. We also organised a fundraiser dinner for the Healesville Wildlife Hospital, and another fundraiser event for the 2019 Australian bushfires. The Youth Advisory Committee is an amazing way for me to continue this journey of making   positive changes for future generations.

Gracelyn – 13 years

I saw my first platypus during a hike at seven and was fascinated by its playful nature. Soon after, I visited Healesville Sanctuary to watch the Platypus show where I saw banners about the impacts of helium balloons on wildlife. I immediately signed my promise never to release helium balloons.  When my class wrote Christmas wishes to send Santa via helium balloon, I advocated for bubbles instead. Armed with my toy Platypus ‘Percy’, curling ribbon, and the Zoos Victoria brochure “Blow Bubbles Not Balloons” my conservation journey began. No balloons were released!

Since then, I’ve collected thousands of plastic pieces from local waterways, held Bubble Promise Parties and helped stop balloon releases at local events. I’ve worked with Rotary and Girl Guides Victoria to spread this important message.  I am excited for the opportunity to be part of the Youth Advisory Committee and promise to increase my conservation efforts to create positive connections between people, animals and the environment.

Isaac – 15 years

Since the age of four, I've developed a profound love for wildlife and the environment and have made a lifelong commitment to preserve it. By dedicating my time to volunteering at animal shelters, raising funds for environmental organisations, and speaking at events like the 2020 Australian Plastic Summit, my passion for wildlife has continued to flourish, enabling me to collaborate with incredible like-minded individuals.

Being a member of the Youth Advisory Committee and playing a role in the preservation of our wildlife, is undeniably a genuine privilege. I'm really looking forward to the awesome things we're going to achieve and can't wait to see the positive difference we'll make. 

Jia Jia – 16 years

Zoos Victoria’s Youth Advisory Committee allows me to connect with like-minded peers and staff, improve my communication and leadership skills, and learn fascinating facts about the wildlife at Zoos Victoria.

My love for animals developed through years of weekly drawing classes where I painted fauna and flora. As a 16-year-old, I still enjoy drawing and reading and am now a dancer and yoga enthusiast. In primary school, I was the Junior School Council Treasurer on my school’s Sustainability Team, reinforcing my love for the environment and leadership. On weekdays, I serve as a School Council Student Representative, and on weekends, I volunteer proudly at the RSPCA Kennels and Cattery. From 2020-2022, I was in the Selected Entry Accelerated Learning (SEAL) class.

As a Youth Advisory Committee member, my goal is to help organise and implement events to reconnect youth with wildlife and enhance the experience at Zoos Victoria.

Luke – 16 years 

From a young age, my experiences in nature and at the zoo sparked my interest in animals. This connection drives my belief that we must protect animals and give them a voice. Currently, I am in Year 10 and part of my school's environmental leadership group, developing a campaign for the IUCN Reverse the Red project.

I have led campaigns, including gathering 1,000 signatures for Zoos Victoria’s Don’t Palm Us Off campaign and raising money for Mountain Pygmy-possums, Orange-bellied Parrots, and animals affected by the 2019/2020 bushfires. In 2019, I was awarded Zoos Victoria Young Advocate of the Year in the Hall of Fame.

As a Youth Advisory Committee member, I aim to increase youth awareness and connection to animals and the zoo, bringing valuable changes to improve the zoo for young visitors.

Méabh – 18 years

I have had a great interest in conservation and wildlife from a very young age. I starred in an episode of ABC ME’s Pet Superstars alongside my pet Children’s Python Penfold in 2018. I enjoy spending time bushwalking or rock-pooling with family and friends whenever I’m given the chance. I have just completed my final exams for VCE and am getting ready to go to university. I enjoy playing the fiddle and was a member of my school’s orchestra. I have been an Irish dancer with the Christine Ayres school for 10 years, performing for festivals and local community events.

As a neurodiverse person, I would particularly like to improve the experience and accessibility for young people visiting Zoos Victoria locations and help all of us to be able to engage with the Zoos’ programs on an equal footing. I hope to increase the participation and involvement of younger people in conservation, and sustainability efforts into our adult lives. 

Nathan – 17 years

From a young age I have always been interested in the great outdoors. As I grew, so did my passion for our environment. We are so lucky to live in a world surrounded by wildlife. It’s crucial we act now to ensure a future rich in biodiversity.  I am completing my VCE education, where I help lead our school to participate in more sustainable practices as Environmental Captain. I enjoy spending any spare time outside, in the garden or adventuring with friends! 

My passion for conservation has always been present. Along with my partner in crime Emma, we have worked closely with Zoos Victoria, campaigning and fundraising through school, and social situations, spreading awareness in any way possible. As a member of the Youth Advisory Committee, I hope to empower and connect young people to nature by showing them the beauty that I see; inspiring all to make a meaningful difference. 

Roshan – 17 years

I am a Year 11 student who aspires to go down the path of Veterinary Medicine in the future.

Being part of the Youth Advisory Committee has given me a great leadership opportunity and is allowing me to collaborate with like-minded individuals and take part in influencing the next generation of wildlife conservationists.

Having volunteered at Greencross Vets and currently having a job at a small animal veterinary clinic has allowed me to gain valuable knowledge in the veterinary industry and gives me a unique perspective on caring for wildlife.

In year 9, I was Junior School Captain and Vice School Captain in primary school. These leadership roles have empowered me to learn how to take on advice from a student body and contributed to improving my school’s sustainability by aiding with a recycling program. 

Ruby – 13 years

Ever since I was little, I have had a passion for wildlife and conservation. In year four, I was the Dolphin Research Institute Captain at school. We went on amazing excursions and learnt all about Port Phillip Bay's marine animals. This sparked my interest in understanding wildlife and educating other people about our discoveries. I was so sad when it finished. Then I heard about the Youth Advisory Committee and knew I had to apply. So far, it has been such an amazing experience, creating ideas to engage youth with Zoos Victoria from young peoples' perspectives. 

As a Youth Advisory Committee member, my goal is to use my opinions, and listen to people my age, to give youth a voice around conservation, so that people like me can feel just as connected to the Zoos as I do. 

Sophie – 17 years

I am passionate about wildlife and my special interest is in marine conservation.  Since primary school, I have been involved in lobbying for the reduction of single-use plastic products and the clean-up of the beaches near my home.  I am currently studying for my VCE and hope to pursue my interest in Bioscience at university.

I am privileged to be a member of the Youth Advisory Committee. I really enjoy connecting with people from diverse backgrounds and interests, and I hope we can continue to take action and inspire others with our message of preserving our beautiful biodiversity here in Australia. 

Tom – 12 years

I've always loved the natural world and am curious about animals and their habitats. Passionate about helping all living creatures, I've worked on raising awareness of plastic pollution and presented on endangered animals and how to support them. I am committed to protecting the environment so future generations can see the amazing animals of our world.

I've been visiting Zoos Victoria my whole life, and when I saw this opportunity, I was excited to apply. I feel privileged to work on the Youth Advisory Committee, meeting new people who share my passion for animals and the environment. My goal is to help Zoos Victoria connect with young people to protect these species by sharing ideas and working together.

Zoe – 14 years

Ever since I was a little girl, I have had a strong passion for animals and conservation. In primary school, I always chose environmental topics for my speeches, such as climate change, endangered species, and Indigenous culture. I love camping and have encountered various animals, including Eastern Spotted-tail quolls, Tasmanian devils, wombats, dingoes, giraffes, dolphins, and sea lions. I also enjoy science, particularly environmental science, biology, and psychology, and hope to pursue a career as a wildlife conservationist or zookeeper.

I was thrilled to learn about the Youth Advisory Committee and even more excited to be chosen as a member. It has been the best experience ever, and I can't wait to see the projects and plans we develop in the future.