Our Science Expo sea animals find a new home at St Joseph’s School
The paper-mâché sea animals that brought the Climate Change Cook Islands booth to life at this year’s Science Expo have found a new home at St Joseph’s School.
The colourful creatures were a highlight of the booth, drawing in students and visitors to learn about climate change and the ocean that surrounds and sustains our islands. Now they will continue to spark curiosity in the classroom.
The students have already welcomed them warmly. On arrival, many were quick to call out “It’s Ina and the Shark!”, connecting the display to the much-loved Cook Islands legend, and were full of questions about the animals and the ocean they represent.
“We’re so happy to see our sea animals go to a place where they’ll keep inspiring young minds,” said Charlene Akaruru, Climate Change Youth Ambassador. “Seeing the students recognise Ina and the Shark straight away shows how our stories and our environment are connected, and that’s exactly the kind of conversation we want to keep growing.”
The CCCI team extends a big meitaki maata to everyone who gave their hands, creativity and many extra hours to building the sea animals. Your hard work made our booth a lively, welcoming space for learning.
We’ll certainly miss Punu the Shark and Barnnie the Whale, but we know they are in good hands. And there’s no need to worry about next year’s Science Expo. We’ve proven we can do it all again!
ENDS
Media contact:
CCCI Communications
comms.ccci@cookislands.gov.ck
Government of the Cook Islands