Secondary school work experience

Each year, a limited number of students are selected to gain experience at one of Victoria’s four zoos; Healesville Sanctuary, Kyabram Fauna Park Melbourne Zoo, or Werribee Open Range Zoo.

Students finish the week with a deeper appreciation of wildlife, the environment we share with them, and how each role within the organisation works towards conservation.

Some key details for applicants: 

• The program is five full days and in all weather
• Attendance dates for the successful students will be available over each term
• There are a range of tasks possible during this program including some physical tasks which require initial observation and assessment to ensure students are able to participate in a way which will maintain workplace safety for all students
•  Applications from secondary students are accepted one year in advance.

Who is eligible?

Victorian secondary students aged over 15 years are eligible for the program.

We celebrate diversity and strive to be inclusive in everything we do. Students with diverse abilities are encouraged to apply.

School Careers Coordinators can only endorse one student per school and students can only submit ONE application to any of the zoos.

Please note - Kyabram Fauna Park is the only property that accepts multiple students from the same school each year.

Application timelines

The online applications for 2025 Secondary School Work Experience placements are now closed.

2026 applications will be open in Term 3.