Zoo educators

We are first and foremost an animal rescue centre: 80% of our animals come through ex-animal centres, owners and even the police. Rare breed pigs and fowl, rabbits, guinea pigs and other mammals account for the rest.

We promote public education and awareness by providing information about our animal collection in respect of conservation biodiversity through information panels, zoo educator talks and special interest events. We are happy to work with a range of groups, from schools to companies and youth groups to retirement homes. Many of our sessions can easily be adapted for birthday parties or other events as well.

We support the aims of the Learning Outside the Classroom (LotC) Manifesto and firmly believe that every young person should experience the world beyond the classroom as an essential part of learning and personal development, whatever their age, ability or circumstances.

Our facilities include a 100-seat education centre, an animal handling laboratory, reptile centre and newt pond.

At Wetheriggs we are committed to offering a range of high quality educational experiences. Whether you want to bring a group to the centre or you want us to come to you we are happy to work with you to create and deliver a session which is both enjoyable and educational! Some examples of sessions we can run include:

Curriculum based sessions: We can run sessions on a variety of subjects which will support other curriculum work.
Worksheets: these allow groups to run their own sessions. We have some general sheets but they can also be made to order.
Specific animal workshops: session based solely on one animal or a specific group of animals (mammals, birds, reptiles etc).
Work parties: come and help out with feeding and looking after our animals.
Pets workshop: looking at how to handle and look after pets. Either focused on one type (rabbits, guinea pigs, rats, reptiles etc) or a range.
Bird/animal/bat/insect etc houses and feeders : sessions looking at different houses and feeders etc used by different creatures and the chance to build them.
Art sessions: painting, drawing, photography etc using our animals as subjects. We also offer the opportunity to paint and take away various pottery items (prices available on request).
Specific subject sessions: animal adaptations, classifications, habitats/ecology (food chains/ webs, predator/prey cycles), conservation etc.
Hands on session: with a selection of animals including cockroaches, spiders, snakes, rabbits, rats, lizards and many more.
Guided tours of the site.
Squirrel experience: get up close with our American red squirrels!
Sessions based on specific events: we can deliver a session based around national or international days/weeks etc.

We also offer a range of other opportunities including:

Shows/fairs etc: if you are having an event why not invite us to bring a range of animals and run a hands on stall/display?
Teacher/leader sessions: we offer free visits for teachers or group leaders to see what is on offer.
We are also happy to work with you on environmental projects. We are especially keen to support schools and groups with the setting up of eco gardens etc at there site.
We provide opportunities for functional, vocational and creative skills, and qualifications.
Corporate events: if you would like to use our site for meetings, team building sessions or other events we will be happy to work with you to put together a package.
We offer work experience opportunities to young people aged 16 and above. For young people below 16 we offer ‘Saturday Club’ to registered ‘Friends of Wetheriggs’ (subject to conditions).

New for this year

We are offering schools/groups the opportunity to have unlimited free entry for visits* during 2011 to Wetheriggs Zoo and Animal Sanctuary.

In order to be able to take advantage of this offer all your school/group has to do is hold at least one collection or major fundraising event during the year for our charity! Get in touch to find out how you can get involved. We have already had a couple of schools sign up for this scheme so a big thank you to them.

*Visits must be pre-booked and do not include workshops (charged at £1.00 per person) or animal food (50p per bag).

Prices

Bring your group to us and learn all about the work we do and the animals we look after. If you book in advance your visit can also include a free session with one of our education team to enhance your visit.

Entry: Child: £2.95. Adult: £3.95 (one adult free with every 5 primary school aged children or 10 secondary school aged children).

Extras: For those schools/groups who are gaining free entry or have not booked in advance there will be a charge of £1 per person for talks/education sessions if you require one. Bags of feed can be brought for 50p.

Outreach visits: We can bring a selection of our animals and run a session at your school/venue:

1/2 day session (approx 4hrs*): £75**
Full day Session (approx 8hrs*): £150**

*Sessions which involve animals will include 2hrs for preparing and after care of the animals therefore actual delivery times will be approx 2 hrs for half day and approx 6hrs for full day.
**There will also be an additional charge for all sessions to cover the rising petrol costs. This will be based on the distance from the centre to your venue. A quote can be given on request.

Please contact us for more details or to book a session.