Zoos Victoria Youth Advisory Committee

Angus – 17 years

I still remember my first time seeing the impressive, late, Bong Su, marvelling at his calm nature while still looking like a king. From there, little me understood the need to save these wonders and discover what I wanted to do in the future; protect, educate and love animals, and that’s what I plan to do, already taking on my own research projects locally! My passion for wildlife and the environment continues throughout my school years, becoming Environmental Captain nearly every year available and now, the Sustainability Captain of a whole school.

Achieving the position on the Youth Advisory Committee has encouraged me to collaborate and apply my knowledge of environment sciences, design and my experiences as a young person to give feedback on issues concerning youth and the wider community. I’m excited to create ideas, learn, spark engagement and inspire many generations to come through Zoos Victoria gates.

Daniel – 15 years

Every time I go to the zoo, it reminds me how important all wildlife is to our ecosystem. Seeing different species up close makes me think about how it is our responsibility to protect wildlife and the habitats they depend on. I believe young people can make a difference in conservation and help create a better future for our planet. Living near farms and coastal wetlands has made me appreciate our rivers and natural areas even more as many animals rely on them to survive. I want to help spread awareness about keeping our waterways clean and safe for our Australian wildlife.

I’m excited to be part of the Youth Advisory Committee because I want to work with other young people who care about wildlife. I hope to learn more about conservation and encourage others to protect the environment for future generations.

Gabrielle – 18 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 – 14 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 – 15 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 – 17 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 – 19 years

I have always been passionate about wildlife and conservation, a passion that has grown into a commitment to advocacy and action. Over the past year, I’ve gained hands-on experience at a koala park and as a snake catcher, deepening my understanding of wildlife care and human-wildlife coexistence. Studying Zoology and Secondary Education at Monash University has further strengthened my scientific knowledge and desire to educate others. Through wildlife rescue with Wildlife Victoria and volunteering at a local shelter, I’ve supported injured and displaced animals while learning the importance of rapid response, rehabilitation, and community awareness. These experiences have shaped my ability to turn compassion into meaningful action.

Advocacy sits at the heart of everything I do. Looking ahead, I hope to continue combining education and conservation, inspiring others to connect with and protect the natural world.

Lanie – 16 years

I’m a big wildlife advocate and absolutely love snakes. I’m from rural Victoria, so I’ve grown up around animals and on the farm my whole life. I have a beautiful golden retriever and a children’s python, and I would love to work in any animal sector such as zookeeping, animal rights advocacy, or a veterinary role.

Being part of the Zoos Victoria Youth Advisory Committee helps enable me to empower others to stand up for animal rights and conservation, which is what I am driven to do. I would love to be able to educate others and help them step into roles to further support wildlife and ensure the survival of our beautiful animal species; no matter how dangerous, scary, insignificant, or uninteresting they may seem.

Lyra – 13 years 

Nothing makes me happier than when you first unzip your tent in a new location, air crisp and cool. Hiking is how I found things I love, like orangutans and birds. My other hobbies are musicals, soccer and writing. I’d love to be an environmental writer! From very early on, I felt compelled to act against the rapid environmental decline happening globally. I have been advocating for my canteen to only stock brands that use responsibly sourced palm oil and have collected signatures for the Zoo’s ‘Don’t Palm Us Off’ campaign.

Before I joined the Youth Advisory Committee, I felt frustrated, because there was no clear way for passionate young people like me to make a positive impact. I hope to learn as much as I can about youth leadership in advocacy and conservation and use it to help others in the community. Afterall, youth are the future of conservation!

Rebekah – 17 years

I’m a VCE student who’s always had a passion for wildlife, especially marine ecosystems; not only through my love for body boarding, but from learning how vital these systems are for biodiversity and how helpful they can be in fighting the climate crisis. This has pushed me towards conservation and science communication and through leadership roles, volunteering, and involvement in advisory committees for my local council. I’ve developed a passion for sharing ideas and working with people towards positive solutions.

I applied for the Youth Advisory Committee because I want to be part of real change and help make conservation more accessible and engaging for young people. I love youth advocacy, bringing people together, sharing ideas, and ensuring diverse voices are genuinely heard and valued. I’d love to help young people build a connection to wildlife through visiting zoos, so we can all better protect our environment.

Ruby – 16 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 – 17 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.

Sebastian – 13 years

I have never known a world without animals at the centre of it. From a young age, I was the one pressed up against the enclosure glass, completely absorbed in the lives of the creatures in front of me. That early fascination has grown into a clear ambition; to build a future in wildlife conservation. I have taken action in my local community, campaigning to encourage hospitality businesses to eliminate plastic straws, and have had a lot of success.

When I joined the Youth Advisory Committee, I was excited to contribute ideas, represent young people’s perspectives and help inspire others to care about endangered species. I want to support Zoos Victoria in engaging more young people in conservation. Looking ahead, I hope to build career in conservation or wildlife care. Being part of this committee is an important step toward helping create a future where wildlife is not just surviving, but thriving.

Tom – 14 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 – 17 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.