SCIENCE

LITTLE PENGUIN ETHOLOGICAL STUDY AT MELBOURNE ZOO                       

Throughout Term 1, the Year 10 Environmental Science class investigated ecosystem structures and processes, as well as the methods available to monitor ecosystems, in readiness for a field trip in Term 2. 

Sadly, due to the spread of COVID-19, we could no longer go on this field trip. In lieu of this, the students recently participated in a virtual field trip to Melbourne Zoo, conducting their own ethological (behavioural) study on the colony of Little Penguins. Over a two-week period, we viewed the daily live stream of Little Penguins and made observations about their behaviour and their interactions with the keepers. The students used a sampling method called ‘All-Occurrence Sampling’ which records all instances of a given behaviour (e.g. preening, foraging, etc) performed during a given time period. We’re now in the process of analysing this quantitative data to assess the impact of keeper interaction on Little Penguin behaviour. 

The students have really enjoyed the opportunity to observe the Little Penguins remotely at home and apply their understanding to this unique context of zoo-based conservation. 

You can view the animal live streams at Melbourne Zoo here: 

https://www.zoo.org.au/animals-at-home/

Cherie Marks

Head of Science