It’s part of a learning programme at a new ‘Zoo Town’ attraction being set up at London Zoo.
Zoo Town invites youngsters to imagine their future trying out roles as vets, scientists and ‘zootritionists’.
Models have been designed to show how to look after animals — like the zebras that drop a trail of 300 plastic ‘poo’ balls that have to be swept up.
Zoo Town opens at the Regent’s Park zoological gardens on October 18, giving kids license to plunge into their curiosity for the natural world.
Interactive models immerse them in conservation as horticulturalists, scientists or zookeepers.
There are 1,000 toys like the zebra ‘poo’ balls, the 150 zoo post parcels and 13 role-play activities of being a vet using animal dolls.
“This is the magic of play where children step into a world made just for them,” London Zoo design team’s Emma Edwards explains. “We worked with children to dream it up, so every corner is shaped by their imagination.
“It’s a fun way into curiosity with wildlife, finding out how many ways there are to help animals, whether they chase zebra poo, deliver post to the plant nursery or feed a penguin.”
Sensory and smell play also make up the Zoo Town to keep the youngest tots and older kids entertained.
The zoo-within-a-zoo is themed on conservation to inspire the next generation of planet champions.
The 63 cuddly toy animals include parrots, Komodo dragons and tigers made with scannable microchips.
Authentic soundscapes accompany children’s play, listening out for gibbons Jimmy and Yoda or the house sparrows that have made their home at London Zoo.
Zoo Town is being opened for individuals and school groups to visit and learn through play, like treating poorly animals in the vet hospital or fighting germs in the science lab, to spark interest where children’s imaginations really can run wild.
Tickets are online in advance along with a London Zoo ticket, three days ahead of a visit, from October 15. Each Zoo Town session is 45 minutes, age guidance three to eight years.
