This year, a total of 384 children aged 6-14 years took part, divided into four age groups. The 2004 theme was Asia – Year of the Monkey, tied to the Scottish 5-14 curriculum. Using animals as a trigger, they explored ideas about how animals fit into culture, the culture itself and species-specific conservation issues. A main focus was the Hindu festival of Dusshera, which features several animals, real and mythological, and the Zoo worked in partnership with the Scottish Indian Arts Forum to involve Indian artists, dancers and others to help deliver the theme. In addition to normal classes and animal studies, children took part in a range of activities including photography, model making, animal handling, animal behavioural studies, crafts and music. Each week ended with a concert, to which parents and carers were invited.