Should animals have the same rights as humans? The story of Pole Pole.

This two hour workshop, designed by the Born Free Foundation, features the real  life story of Pole Pole the elephant (Swahili for ‘Slowly’), and explores whether she should be sent to live at the zoo, or remain with/return to  her family in the wild. 

Tickets: This event is free of charge and spaces are limited to 25 children aged  9-11. Please book one ticket per child – parents or guardians will need  to be present throughout the session but there is no need to book a  ticket for adults. Book here. 

Children work in groups, sharing their thoughts  and opinions, before voting as a group as to whether to send Pole Pole  to the zoo. It’s a great way to start discussions around the ethics of  holding wild animals in captivity. 

This workshop is appropriate for  children aged 9-11 and parents will need to present throughout the  session. Any questions please contact laura@volunteersforfuture.org

Overview of workshop

Following  an interactive presentation, children will work in three groups to  represent the three main stakeholders (a UK zoo, an African government  and Pole Pole) involved in bringing Pole Pole from Africa to the UK. Each group will give their views in a debate/discussion and the pupils can then vote as to whether she should stay in Africa or go to the Zoo.  The real story is then told and pupils are encouraged to think about the  feelings of animals in zoos with a long-term perspective. Finally, we'll work together as a group to discuss all the ways we can support  the efforts of Born Free and other incredible conservation organisations  striving to protect wild animal's welfare.

For children attending - please  advise us of any special educational needs, and for ALL attendees  please advise us of any allergies or health conditions in advance.  Please email laura@volunteersforfuture.org

About Volunteers for Future: This  event is being run by Volunteers For Future who provide an exciting  range of free, curriculum-aligned workshops designed by and delivered in  collaboration with international wildlife charity Born Free Foundation. Volunteers  For Future and the Born Free Foundation have worked together since 2020  to empower and inspire thousands of young people across the UK whilst  providing schools with high quality, accessible conservation and animal  welfare education. We aim to raise awareness of environmental issues and  the threats facing wildlife, whilst supporting young people to identify  positive actions they can take in support of wildlife conservation.