Gibraltar kindergarten students will have their artwork destroyed by zoo animals in the coming weeks, and you should not be shocked to learn that they are okay with that.

Secondary art teacher Laura Miekle and kindergarten teacher Lizz Thomas joined forces last month to create paper mache toys for the animals at the NEW Zoo in Suamico to enjoy. The piñata-like creations are filled with treats for the animals that they have to play with in order to get them. The project paired secondary school art students with kindergarten students to make toys for animals made out of newspaper, flour, and non-toxic paint. Meikle says the collaboration will result in enrichment for the animals and a special experience for the students.

According to the Minnesota Zoo, enrichment gives the animals something to think about, encourages exercise, and a degree of control of their environment. The kindergarten students are slated to visit the NEW Zoo later this year where they could see their projects played with by some of the animals.

Picture courtesy of Gibraltar Area Schools