children's activity

Moreland Community Against the Tunnel (MCAT) is organising a Children's March for the Animals to Melbourne Zoo. The march is this Sunday 4 May, 1PM! The proposed East West Link runs within 40m of the zoo, and will involve cut and cover construction right through Royal Park, including removal of 1000s of trees. The March for the Animals is designed to draw attention to the risks to the zoo as a result - risks which have still not been assessed. Adults and children are encouraged to join the march, ideally dressed as their favourite zoo animal. Australian entertainer with a social conscience Rod Quantock will lead the Children's March for the Animals from Princes Park 500 metres to the Melbourne Zoo.

Where: Gather around the red brick Sport Pavilion in Princes Park on the footpath 20 metres south of Walker Street (Melway Reference Page 29 H12). By Tram 19 it is stop #16 within eyesight of Visy Park, home to the Carlton Football Club. By train, get off at Jewell Station on the Upfield Line and proceed two blocks to Sydney Road and then south to the assembly point at Princes Park, an 8 minute walk. As 4 May is a Sunday, there is free car parking along both sides of Royal Parade.

What will happen?

1.30PM -- Children, some in animal costume or holding a soft zoo animal toy, will form up behind a giant giraffe and streamers for a 500 metre walk led by Grand Marshal Rod Quantock across Royal Parade and onto the main entrance to the Melbourne Zoo. Victoria Police and Event Marshals will ensure a safe crossing.

What happens at the Zoo?

1.45PM – Arrive at the main entrance to the Zoo. Long large tables will provide activities for children. Beforehand, those carrying soft toys will place them in a mini-zoo.

2PM – Children move to a table to 1) paint zoo animal faces on paper plates; 2) cut out and colour drawn animals; 3) write a letter to Zoo officials asking them to protect the animals and 4) sign a scrolled petition seeking to cancel the East West Toll Road to save the animals from road rage. Adults will also be called on to sign the petition.

CONTACTS: Organiser: Michael Petit, Moreland Community Against the East West Tunnel (MCAT) Mobile: 0417 354 169 email: michael[AT]carolinepetit.com
Enquiries re EW Link: Julianne Bell Secretary Protectors of Public Lands Victoria Inc. (PPL VIC) Mobile: 0408022408 jbell5[AT]bigpond.com

Find out more: www.facebook.com/MorelandCAT
Email: MorelandCAT[AT]gmail.com