Western Sydney University is going to the Zoo

Western Sydney University has become the official Tertiary Education Partner of Sydney Zoo.

Committed to becoming Australia’s most advanced zoo, Sydney Zoo will focus on technology and innovation to improve animal welfare, visitor engagement, and education, which aligns with Western Sydney University’s scholarship and research goals.

Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, Professor Barney Glover, highlighted the unique opportunities the new partnership offered.

“Our strengths in research and teaching alongside technology and innovation will complement the state-of-the-art features of Sydney Zoo, offering unrivalled visitor experiences and a world-class education program,” said Professor Glover.

Managing Director of Sydney Zoo, Jake Burgess, emphasised the positives of the agreement for the western Sydney community.

“Western Sydney University shares Sydney Zoo’s passion and commitment to positively impacting the local community and we are proud to partner with an organisation that shares these values,” said Mr Burgess.

Key benefits of the agreement with Sydney Zoo are three scholarships per year for students studying Tourism Management, Animal Science and Zoology. Students will also have access to hands-on experiences at the Zoo to enhance studies and to improve graduate outcomes.

Western Sydney University Advanced Science student, Natalia Sabatino Vidal, agrees the partnership offers a range of exciting experiences for students.

“In the past, research programs in zoos have not been readily accessible to students in the west. This new partnership with Sydney Zoo opens up internship and research opportunities that will enrich study programs,” said Natalia.

In addition to the internships and placements offered under the scholarships, Sydney Zoo will also provide 24 separate internships to students.

Western Sydney University Tourism Management student, Samantha Wagstaff, also noted the benefits of the partnership for the tourism industry in the region.

“For placements, most tourism students usually have to travel into the city or further – options in Western Sydney have been really limited. Sydney Zoo not only offers us an exciting opportunity on our doorstep, it will also reinvigorate the industry and that means more jobs here in the future,” said Samantha.

ENDS

21 August, 2018

Clare Patience, Senior Media Officer