Joy Thorup’s love of wildlife began as a Prep student visiting Serendip Sanctuary for the first time.
Now the 18-year-old is helping youngsters share her passion through the sanctuary’s school programs.
“What I love about Serendip is that I discover something new every time I’m there,” Joy said.
“I couldn’t wait to do the Junior Ranger programs during the holidays. Mum took me to my first one when I was 11; now I’m helping run them.”
Every year, classes from Lara Primary School spend a week at the nearby Serendip Sanctuary as part of a Parks Victoria program.
Joy started volunteering at Serendip Sanctuary at the age of 16. She went from helping with the sancutary’s Junior Ranger programs to running its “Behind the Scenes” tours.
These involve taking groups around to see and feed the resident animals.
“There was so much to know about the different creatures,” Joy said.
“It took me a while to get a hang of things at first, but Matt Wills and the staff there really looked after me.”
This summer Joy worked as a seasonal ranger for a few days.
“It felt great to be called Ranger Joy,” she said. “I’m definitely going to apply for a seasonal ranger role next year.”
“When the real rangers go off to fight fires, you hold down the fort.”
Joy recently won a Kookaburra Award from Parks Victoria for her volunteering.
Environmental science, biology and photography are among the Year 12 student’s subjects. She hopes to land a job where she can combine her passions.
“I’ve loved animals since I was a kid,” she said. “I always thought I’d be a zoo keeper or a ranger.”
“I love working with kids but I love my photography, too.”
Parks Victoria Ranger Vanessa Wiggenraad says Joy’s award was well-deserved.
“Joy is a great example of someone who really engages with nature and gets so much enjoyment from that in return,” Ms. Wiggenraad said.
“Our partnership with Lara Primary is one that offers that special experience to young children, and it’s so rewarding to see how it helps them develop love and respect for nature and its creatures.”
