By Ann Marie Angebrandt
A HERD of zebras unlike any other recently joined Werribee Open Range Zoo’s collection.
But rather than having four legs, these zebras are equipped with four wheels, an engine, and a paint job courtesy of Victoria University sign-painting students.
The students, from VU’s Sunshine campus, used photographs of real zebra as the basis for the design on seven eye-catching vehicles now used by zoo staff.
VU program manager John Craddock said the project gave the students hands-on experience working with vinyl on a vehicle, rather than a boring flat panel. Students were required to help plan the design and identify the best way to apply it.
“This type of work provides the students with a chance to deal with situations that require problem solving as well as working as a team,” he said.
The sign-writing program won a Gold National Award for Industry Training and Development in 2005 and 2006.
Zoo director Ross Jones said he was delighted with the vehicles and the partnership between the zoo and the university.
“It’s a great example of businesses in the West working together,” he said.
