LIKE many children growing up on the East Coast, Chloe Baker developed a deep connection with the ocean and its inhabitants but one stood out for her in particular – the whale. So it is a great source of sadness whenever a whale is found stranded on a beach – an occurrence more common in Tasmania than anywhere else in Australia. As a primary school student in Swansea, Chloe decided she had to do something to help out. “I love whales, they’re my favourite animal. I think they’re cool, but it’s sad that there’s a lot of strandings,” she said. “I decided to try to help save some.” She gathered together bunches of lavender and sand crafts, and set up a stall at her school to raise some funds. The following year, Chloe set up her stall again and raised further funds with money boxes around the town. In total, she raised $550. With the support of the Freycinet Marine Farm and Wildcare Incorporated, her fundraising helped to purchase a $1750 whale mat, used to assist whales when they become stranded. The mat arrived at Triabunna District School late last year, and was the perfect parting gift for the end of Chloe’s primary school days. Chloe said it was great to see the outcome of her fundraising efforts. “It was awesome,” she said. “Hopefully I can help out a few.” The mat was a welcome addition for Wildcare, and chief executive officer Sharon Smith was full of praise for Chloe’s work. “There is no doubt we need more Chloe’s in this world,” she said. “It’s so wonderful to see the next generation inspiring and leading nature conservation.”
Students at Triabunna District School have fun with the whale mat after student Chloe Baker raised funds for its purchase. Picture: Supplied
LIKE many children growing up on the East Coast, Chloe Baker developed a deep connection with the ocean and its inhabitants but one stood out for her in particular – the whale.
So it is a great source of sadness whenever a whale is found stranded on a beach – an occurrence more common in Tasmania than anywhere else in Australia.
As a primary school student in Swansea, Chloe decided she had to do something to help out.
“I love whales, they’re my favourite animal. I think they’re cool, but it’s sad that there’s a lot of strandings,” she said.
“I decided to try to help save some.”
The mat is used to help stranded whales. Picture: Supplied
She gathered together bunches of lavender and sand crafts, and set up a stall at her school to raise some funds.
The following year, Chloe set up her stall again and raised further funds with money boxes around the town. In total, she raised $550.
With the support of the Freycinet Marine Farm and Wildcare Incorporated, her fundraising helped to purchase a $1750 whale mat, used to assist whales when they become stranded.
The mat arrived at Triabunna District School late last year, and was the perfect parting gift for the end of Chloe’s primary school days.
Chloe said it was great to see the outcome of her fundraising efforts.
“It was awesome,” she said.
“Hopefully I can help out a few.”
The mat was a welcome addition for Wildcare, and chief executive officer Sharon Smith was full of praise for Chloe’s work.
“There is no doubt we need more Chloe’s in this world,” she said.
“It’s so wonderful to see the next generation inspiring and leading nature conservation.”
