UQ students get hands on experience at Royal Queensland Show

University of Queensland students are preparing to greet an estimated 250,000 visitors to the RNA Animal Nursery at the Royal Queensland Show from August 10 to 19 in Brisbane.

The Nursery, one of the most popular Show attractions for young visitors and their families, is a collection of young animals ranging in size from mice to horses, for viewing in one place,

Co-ordinator Dr Mark Hohenhaus said this year's Nursery had a new layout, with two large entrances on either ends of the building and more room for visitors. Freshly painted white picket fences will surround pens, providing a friendlier atmosphere.

"The Animal Nursery has been staffed by UQ Gatton (formerly known as Queensland Agricultural College ) students since it opened 36 years ago," he said.

"It's also a curtain raiser to the UQ Gatton open day on Sunday, August 27, when potential students and their families can find out about the great courses including Animal Studies on offer at the campus."

Thirty-five UQ students will work at the 36th annual Animal Nursery at the Royal Queensland Show as part of their certificate courses in Animal Husbandry.

Dr Hohenhaus, a senior lecturer in the School of Animal Studies, said students enjoyed working at the Show and bunking out on site to provide constant care for the young animals and their dams. "The experience improves their communication skills and helps develop competence in husbanding young and novel animals," he said.

This year's collection of animals and their offspring will include a display of emu chicks hatching out of eggs as well as a rat and a mouse circus.

Students will be supervised by RNA honorary council steward and University Animal Production graduate Robyn Hohenhaus and 1996 Associate Diploma in Stock and Meat Inspection graduate George Melano.

At the wool pavilion, volunteers will staff the UQ Animal Welfare Stand, which has been supported by the Royal National Association. The stand will have information about an appeal to support a professorial position in animal welfare. The new position will examine issues relating to domestic, native, production and entertainment animals and provide an independent source of knowledge.

In the Agricultural Hall, a display with an international theme for UQ's Natural Resources, Agriculture and Veterinary Science Faculty, will be worked in fruit and vegetables donated by Lockyer Valley farmers.

UQ students will also attend the Engineering, Physical Sciences and Architecture Faculty's combined display with the Queensland Sciencentre in the Commerce Building. Visitors can purchase a $7 science bag for children aged 9-14 containing over 20 experiments and activities, ranging from glow in the dark vinyl and magnetic marbles to dancing sultanas and a convection snake.

Media: For further information, contact Dr Mark Hohenhaus, telephone 0754 601 260.

Enquiries can also be directed to communications@mailbox.uq.edu.au