Newman News

           Taronga Zoo STEM Enrichment Design Competition 

Throughout Term 3, selected students from Year 2-6 participated in the Taronga Zoo STEM Enrichment Design competition. Students were required to design and create an enrichment object for either the echidna or pygmy marmosets at Taronga Zoo. The entries were judged by a panel of Taronga’s behavioural scientists and zookeepers and four students were awarded a Highly Commended in the competition. Congratulations to Oscar T, Marlee S, Caragh M and Raphael C! They received excellent feedback from the zookeepers and have won family passes to the zoo. The zookeepers have also requested that they donate their designs to be used with the echidnas and pygmy marmosets at the zoo. 

Oscar T - Year 2 

The judges were particularly impressed by Oscar's creativity, problem-solving and design process. They loved seeing how Oscar refined his ideas through multiple iterations before developing a challenging 3D-printed maze that encourages pygmy marmosets to manipulate moving parts to access food. The careful consideration given to safety, cleaning and animal engagement was especially impressive.

Marlee S - Year 3 

The judges were impressed by Marlee's focus on animal welfare and comfort through the design of a durable, long-lasting echidna shelter. The thoughtful selection of safe, non-toxic materials and consideration of providing a secure resting space demonstrated a strong understanding of the needs of the species. 

Caragh M - Year 3 

The judges were impressed by Caragh's creative "Monkey Mainia" design, which provides pygmy marmosets with a range of opportunities for climbing, swinging, foraging and social interaction. The multi-level structure demonstrates a strong understanding of the species' natural behaviours, while the inclusion of food stations, movement challenges and safe resting spaces creates an engaging and enriching environment. The judges also appreciated the consideration given to animal safety, including the protective barriers covering screws and fixtures.

Raphael C - Year 5 

The judges were impressed by Raphael's use of natural materials and the way the feeder replicates the challenges echidnas experience when searching for food in the wild. The moving feeding barriers encourage the animal to use its nose, claws and tongue to access food, creating an engaging and rewarding foraging experience while remaining practical and safe for keepers to use.