By Rachael Risby Raz | International Relations Manager
Good news for the Israeli Otter Conservation Project.
The ongoing research on why the otters are not succeeding in reproducing will receive a great boost this winter with the addition of Natasha, a high school student from our Zoo Bagrut High School Graduation Program, who has chosen to study the otters as her research topic.
Natasha will be tracking the otters' faeces and hormones.
The new cameras will also provide vital additional information on the otters' routine and interations.
The Zoo Bagrut High School Graduation Program is a unique educational project and model for off school campus learning for highly gifted children in the 11th grade. Established ten years ago, the program is a sought-after and elite academic course presented at the Zoo and approved by the Ministry of Education as a high school graduation credit.
The program involves studies in biology, zoology, ecology, biology, veterinary science, animal husbandry, nature conservation (with emphasis on Israel), horticulture, and technical maintenance. The level of work is very demanding, equivalent to BA seminar coursework, and the students are also involved in the Zoo’s daily activities. Each year between 10-15 research projects are submitted to the Department of Education for approval and the average mark awarded is usually above 95 out of 100.
Other research topics have included: feeding and hierarchy amongst chimpanzees; patterns of behavior in eagles; deer fur seasonal changes; how visitor numbers influence tiger behavior and several other interesting topics.
Keep Warm,
Rachael and the Otter Team
By Rachael Risby Raz | International Relations Manager
By Rachael Risby Raz | International Relations Manager
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