Our Pupils Shine at Shanghai Zoo with Gibbon Enrichment Toys

In December last year, pupils from Wellington College Education (China) – Hangzhou had the remarkable opportunity to meet the world-renowned primatologist and United Nations Messenger of Peace, Dr Jane Goodall, in Beijing. As they listened to her speak about the wonders of nature, the resilience of life and the power of hope, a seed was planted in their hearts — the belief that they, too, could change the world through action.

This month, Dr Goodall sadly passed away. Throughout her life, she proved that even the smallest acts of kindness and effort can make the world a better place. Her spirit transcends borders and generations, inspiring countless young people to speak up for the planet. For our pupils, that encounter has become a lasting source of inspiration — to care for nature, protect life and carry forward her vision through meaningful action.

It is therefore with great pride that we see our pupils turning that inspiration into action over the past year, continuing their involvement with the Roots & Shoots programme and demonstrating their genuine passion for sustainability and wildlife conservation — a passion that shone brightly once again last weekend in Shanghai.

On a memorable day at Shanghai Zoo, ten talented primary pupils from Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou had the incredible opportunity to showcase their handmade gibbon enrichment toys to the public. 

This special event, organised by Shanghai Roots & Shoots - a conservation group founded by the late Dr Jane Goodall - highlighted the importance of gibbon conservation while celebrating the creativity and dedication of young environmentalists.

The pupils were selected from a competitive pool of submissions for their innovative and thoughtfully designed enrichment toys, which aim to stimulate gibbons' natural behaviours and improve their well-being in captivity. Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou was the only school in Hangzhou chosen to present, a testament to our pupils' dedication to sustainability and wildlife protection.

Not only did they present their creations, but they also took on the role of educators, sharing fascinating facts about gibbons and the urgent need to protect these endangered primates.

At Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou, we are deeply committed to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15: Life on Land, which focuses on protecting biodiversity and ecosystems. This event is perfectly aligned with our mission to foster environmental stewardship among our pupils.

Through hands-on projects like this, our pupils learn the importance of conservation while developing critical thinking, creativity and leadership skills - key pillars of a Wellington education.

One of the most impressive aspects of the day was seeing the pupils confidently engage with zoo visitors and gibbon experts. They used their oracy and public speaking skills to explain their designs, the research behind them and why gibbon conservation matters. This experience not only deepened their understanding of wildlife protection but also strengthened their ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

This was more than just a competition - it was an inspiring day that the children will remember for years to come. From presenting their projects to interacting with conservation professionals, the experience was both educational and empowering.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication of the parents and staff who supported the pupils throughout their journey. Your encouragement and involvement made this unforgettable experience a reality.

Well done to all the pupils who represented Wellington College Education (China) - Hangzhou with such enthusiasm and intelligence. We cannot wait to see what you will achieve next in your conservation efforts!