Artwork: Amethyst Hoskin, 7, Kayleigh Fraser, 8, Lillie Doyle, 6, Blade Hoskin, 5, and Erin Fraser, 5.
MALI the elephant has been a work in progress at Forest Street Primary School for months, but she’s now ready to take her place in the community and, eventually, return to her herd.
As part of Melbourne Zoo’s 150th year celebrations, 55 small elephant statues were given to schools across Victoria.
Mali landed at Forest Street Primary School.
For two months, pupils in prep, year one and year two have been working to give Mali a much-needed makeover.
Until mid September, she will be on display at the Ballarat Library before joining her siblings at Melbourne Zoo for the 150th anniversary celebrations.
Assistant principal Cameron Landry said the pupils enjoyed giving Mali a paint job, and they learnt a lot from the experience.
“Some of our pupils have never been to the zoo before, so it was a good chance to learn about endangered species and different sorts of animals,” he said.
A number of larger elephants have been distributed to artists and these will join the 55 school-painted statues to form a large colourful herd next month.
To see Mali on display, visit the Ballarat Library, or for more information on Melbourne Zoo, visit www.zoo.org.au/MelbourneZoo.
