A Day of Conservation, Creativity, and Polar Bears: Our Team Takes on Sea World’s Big Bear Build Workshop

The Lottery Office team swapped desks for flippers and fur recently, with the honour of attending Sea World Foundation’s very first Big Bear Build Workshop on the Gold Coast. The full-day experience combined learning, conservation, and hands-on fun, giving us a rare behind-the-scenes look at how Sea World’s dedicated team cares for its polar bears.

Kicking Off with Polar Bear Science

The morning began with an indoor education session led by Tasch, the head of the Polar Bear team at Sea World Foundation. Her passion for these incredible animals was contagious as she explained the fascinating world of polar bears—from behaviours and hunting strategies to the unique Arctic environment they call home.

One fact that blew everyone away? Polar bear cubs are born weighing only around 400 grams. Yes, you read that right — smaller than a can of Coke! Learning about their life cycle, environmental pressures, and the devastating impact of climate change brought a new level of appreciation for the conservation work happening behind the scenes.

Sea World is currently home to three polar bears, Mishka, and twins Nelson and Hudson. Hearing about how they were rescued and came to Sea World for care, enrichment, and behavioural monitoring gave us a deeper understanding of the vital role the Sea World Foundation plays.

Building Enrichment Toys—The Creative (and Surprisingly Crafty) Part

Before lunch, the team rolled up their sleeves for the hands-on portion of the workshop: building enrichment “balls” for the polar bears using recycled fire hoses.

Each team member got to create their own design—some neat and subtle, others absolutely committed to standing out in the exhibit. These toys play an important role in keeping the bears mentally stimulated and encouraging natural behaviours, so the pressure was on to make them both durable and fun!

Click ‘Play’ to see highlights from the day.

Up Close with Sea World’s Polar Bears

After lunch, it was time to revisit the polar bears’ habitat for the moment everyone had been waiting for.

The DIY enrichment balls were filled with special treats in preparation for the bears. To do this, the team went behind the scenes to get a closer look at the bears themselves. Being in such proximity created a whole new appreciation for their power, personality, and individuality.

Then came the big moment: placing the treat-filled creations inside their habitat before watching from outside as one of the bears emerged, sniffed out the handiwork, and started playing. Seeing the enrichment in action—knowing the balls contributed to the bear’s stimulation and wellbeing—was genuinely rewarding.

A Memorable Finish: Seals, Dolphins, and Smiles All Around

To wrap up the day, time was set aside to visit the seals and dolphins and soak up extra insights from the Sea World team resulting in a fun, educational end to an already unforgettable experience.

A Day That Left an Impact

The Big Bear Build Workshop wasn’t just a corporate day out—it was a chance for the team to connect, learn, and contribute to a meaningful cause. Leaving with a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation, a few new fun facts to bring to trivia night, and a wonderful shared memory as a team.

A huge thank-you to Sea World Foundation and a congratulations on their inaugural workshop. The Lottery Office are proud to support a program that blends conservation, creativity, and community impact so seamlessly.

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