2025 Youth Conservation Leaders Course

Natalie VALENTINE

Head of Junior School

Classroom Teacher

It was my pleasure to attend the Graduation Ceremony of Mia Fukahara, who successfully completed the 2025 Youth Conservation Leaders course, run by Zoos Victoria.

Mia was one of just 35 students selected from a diverse range of Victorian schools to take part in this worthwhile initiative.

Over the course of 10 days, she engaged in hands-on learning across Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, and other nature reserves—exploring environmental issues and developing meaningful conservation projects.

Congratulations, Mia, on this fantastic achievement!

Below, she shares some of her reflections and experiences from the program.

Discovering Conservation Through the Melbourne Zoo Youth Leadership Program

Did you know that just 45 kilometres from Highvale Secondary College, Zoos Victoria has created a special habitat to help save the endangered Lowland Leadbeater’s possum? And even closer to home — only 1 kilometre from our school — the Latham’s snipe bird travels over 8000 kilometres from northern Japan every year to rest at Bushy Park Wetlands. These incredible facts are just some of what I learned during the Melbourne Zoo Youth Leadership Program.

As part of the program, I joined other Year 9 and 10 students who are passionate about animals, conservation, and leadership. We heard from expert zookeepers about how they fight extinction, explored behind-the-scenes areas of the zoo, and even got a glimpse into the daily life of the Melbourne Zoo CEO.

We also learned about different leadership styles, connected to Country through smoke ceremonies and storytelling, and visited Haining Farm — a conservation site managed by Parks Victoria and Zoos Victoria. The farm plays a vital role in protecting Victoria’s biodiversity and supporting native plants and animals.

If you’re going into Year 9 or 10 and this sounds like something you’d love to be part of, applications open in February 2026 for next year. It’s an unforgettable experience that combines learning, leadership, and a love for nature!

- Mia 9D