Western Plains Zoo at Dubbo, is an affiliate of CSU providing practical training and research experience for students in the Graduate Certificate and Graduate Diploma in Captive Vertebrate Management run by the University’s Environmental Studies Unit.

Head of CSU’s Environmental Studies Unit and coordinator of the captive vertebrate management program Dr Al Gibbs, said the University was encouraged by the relationship it had developed with Western Plains Zoo.

"The Zoo provides an excellent research and training ground for our students and an unique opportunity for them to work with such highly skilled animal practitioners at such a world recognised facility.

"We are pleased to be able to support one of the Zoo’s very valuable research programs and continue to develop the relationship between the two organisations," he said.

Extending this relationship is Catriona MacCallum, one of the first graduates of the captive vertebrate management course who is continuing her research to Masters level with the wombat project.

Charles Sturt University is also a sponsor of the Australian Regional Association of Zoological Parkes and Aquaria – Australian Society of Zoo Keepers 2001 Conference being held at Western Plains Zoo from the week beginning Sunday 25 March.

Dr Al Gibbs will be a participant in the conference and will present the sponsorship cheque to Western Plains Zoo on Today at 10.30am at the Wombat Breeding Complex.