Graz, Austria – Students at the Mittelschule St. Marein bei Graz are actively preparing for the upcoming Children’s Animal Welfare Conference on April 21, 2026, in Graz. As part of their preparation, the 2A class recently undertook an educational excursion to Tierwelt Herberstein, gaining valuable insights into the protection and needs of wild animals. The initiative underscores a growing emphasis on animal welfare education within the Steiermark region.
The students, guided by their teacher Gudrun Bacher, had the opportunity to engage with zoologist Martha Moritz, posing numerous questions about wildlife conservation. This hands-on experience is designed to equip them with a deeper understanding of the challenges facing animals and the importance of responsible stewardship. The project aims to foster a sense of empathy and encourage proactive engagement with animal welfare issues.
The class focused on four key areas during their preparation: the care of wild animals, including feeding and medical attention; the specific needs of young animals; appropriate visitor behavior in zoos and wildlife parks; and the complexities of wild animal transportation. These topics were chosen to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges and responsibilities involved in protecting wildlife.
A central outcome of this project is a student-created video focusing on appropriate behavior for visitors to animal parks. The video, which will premiere at the Children’s Animal Welfare Conference, aims to educate the public on how their actions can impact animal well-being. Lea Mirwald, Managing Director of the “Tierschutz macht Schule” (Animal Welfare Makes School) association, emphasized the joy children experience when creatively applying their knowledge. “The children are delighted when they can creatively implement their acquired animal welfare knowledge,” she stated.
Focus on Responsible Tourism and Animal Care
The excursion to Tierwelt Herberstein allowed students to explore the practical implications of animal welfare. Discussions centered on the impact of inappropriate visitor behavior on animals and the crucial role of respect in ensuring their well-being. Students also examined the logistical and ethical considerations surrounding the transport of wild animals, including potential stressors and necessary precautions. This included learning about preparing for transport, identifying stress factors for animals, and ensuring a smooth transition to new enclosures.
Government Support for Animal Welfare Education
Steiermark’s Tierschutzlandesrat (Animal Welfare Minister) Hannes Amesbauer, who accompanied the students on their excursion, highlighted the importance of initiatives like the Children’s Animal Welfare Conference. “In our society, the well-being of animals is of high importance. Projects like the Children’s Animal Welfare Conference make an important contribution here because students deal with the topic intensively at an early age,” Amesbauer said. According to the Land Steiermark news portal, he added that teaching children to treat animals responsibly and with consideration is a vital investment in the future of animal welfare.
Gudrun Bacher, the teacher leading the 2A class, is a multifaceted educator at the Mittelschule St. Marein bei Graz. Her profile on the school website details her roles as a media representative, quality coordinator, and instructor in various subjects, including informatics, and French. She also serves as an integration teacher and academic mentor.
Looking Ahead
The Children’s Animal Welfare Conference promises to be a significant event, bringing together young people passionate about animal welfare. The student-produced video is expected to be a highlight, offering practical guidance for responsible behavior in animal parks. As the conference approaches, the focus will remain on empowering the next generation to grow advocates for animal protection and promoting a culture of respect for all living creatures. The success of this project demonstrates the power of experiential learning and the importance of integrating animal welfare into the school curriculum.
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