Zoos Victoria Youth Advisory Committee

Chloe – 14 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.  

Gabrielle – 17 years

Since a young age, I’ve been extremely curious and passionate about the environment. I have a wide range of interests, including music, chess, math, and volunteering—especially when it means making a difference in sustainability. My love for the environment flourished during school camps in my junior years, where I first saw the beauty of the natural world.

Since Year 9, I’ve been a part of my school’s Sustainability team, eventually becoming Sustainability Captain in Year 12. I’ve contributed to fundraising for environmental organisations and helped lead initiatives like Clean Up Australia Day.

These experiences have inspired me to pursue a path in sustainable business development and conservation. I feel privileged to be on the Youth Advisory Committee and to connect with other young people passionate about animals, the environment, and conservation. This opportunity allows me to grow and apply my skills and ideas to something I truly care about.

Georgia – 13 years 

Wildlife has always been important to me. Even as a child, I was constantly looking out for animals wherever I went, and I feel very grateful to live in a rural area. As I grew older, I came to understand the responsibility we all share to ensure our actions impact wildlife and the environment as little as possible.

When I learned that plastics—especially nurdles—are a major cause of illness and death in sea life, I committed to removing as many as I could from local beaches and waterways. So far, I’ve collected over 250,000 nurdles and microplastics, and I hope that effort has saved at least one animal from pain or death caused by human waste.

In the future, I’d love to work in a field focused on wildlife conservation and environmental rehabilitation. I’m absolutely thrilled to be part of the Zoos Victoria Youth Advisory Committee and excited to collaborate on conservation projects with like-minded peers.

Gracelyn – 14 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 – 16 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. 

James – 18 years

I have a deep passion for wildlife and conservation. As a former VCE Biology student and current College Captain, I applied for this committee to combine leadership with advocacy. Living near a botanic garden, I often spot kangaroos, yellow-tailed black cockatoos, and bandicoots, daily reminders of why I care so deeply about protecting nature.

Being part of the Casey Youth Climate Action Committee further motivated me to be part of the solution. From launching “Blow Bubbles Not Balloons” within my primary school to volunteering with the RSPCA, I’ve always loved turning ideas into action! 

It’s impossible to choose a favourite animal across the zoos, but I have a soft spot for Hutan and Indrah, the Sumatran Tigers. I hope to pursue wildlife education or zookeeping, and joining this committee means collaborating with like-minded youth inspiring real change and connecting more people with the wonders of the natural world.

Jia Jia – 18 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 – 17 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.

Matilda – 17 years

I’ve always had a strong interest in animals and a deep commitment to protecting our Australian native species. I’m thrilled to be part of the Youth Advisory Committee, where I can share this passion and work alongside others who care about conservation. I’m currently studying to become a vet nurse while completing my VCE, with the dream of becoming a veterinarian so I can dedicate my life to helping animals. At home, I care for a wide range of animals, which has only strengthened my love for wildlife and inspired me to become a wildlife rescuer and CFA volunteer.

I applied for this committee because I believe young people have the power to drive real change, especially in advocating for endangered species. I’m excited to contribute my perspective and learn how programs like Zoos Victoria’s breeding initiatives can help prevent extinction to ensure we keep our native species alive for the preservation of our country’s wildlife.

Méabh – 19 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. 

Ruby – 15 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. 

Rumer – 16 years

From my very first visits to the zoo, I was enamoured with wildlife. I loved seeing animals up close, and when I was lucky enough, meeting them through special encounters. Through my many experiences at the zoos here in Victoria, I’ve developed a deep passion for caring about wildlife and the natural world around it. Alongside my friends, I love going on adventures, playing music, performing in musicals, playing volleyball, and snorkelling.

I’m currently studying VCE and have a strong interest in the sciences. Inspired by both friends and teachers, I’ve been encouraged to follow my passion for the natural world. I’m incredibly excited to be part of the Youth Advisory Committee this year, and I look forward to forming new friendships, contributing to meaningful projects, and helping to strengthen youth engagement at the zoo.

Sophie – 18 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 – 13 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 – 15 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.