Conservation charity Marwell Wildlife has recently celebrated its one millionth student visit to its zoo in Hampshire, showcasing its educational benefits.
The milestone occasion was enjoyed by St Margaret’s Church of England Primary School, from Angmering.
The Year 6 pupils took part in educational workshops at the zoo’s Science and Learning Centre where they discovered artefacts and met live animals before receiving Marwell gift bags.
Zeno Wijtten, head of social impact and learning at Marwell Wildlife, commented: “Engaging school children in nature and promoting healthy, sustainable living has been a key part of Marwell’s mission since our education programmes began 36 years ago.
“We feel extremely proud to have shared our passion for conservation with more than one million students who could play a vital role caring for wildlife and the wider environment in years to come.”
Why visit with your school?
The zoo has offered nature-focussed learning opportunities linked to all Key Stages of the National Curriculum since 1982, delivered by a team of teachers and scientists.
Each year the animal attraction reportedly welcomes around 900 different schools and this academic year has hosted over 44,000 pupils for workshops, conferences and park visits.
Outdoor learning is combined with sessions in bespoke discovery classrooms complete with the natural history artefacts, animal encounters and the latest technology.
Marwell’s education web pages also offer free downloadable lesson packs and a range of additional teaching resources to aid a visit.
About Marwell Zoo
Marwell Zoo is home to more than 150 species and is owned by Marwell Wildlife, a global conservation charity leading programmes in the UK, Africa and across the world.
Educational visits and free teacher preliminary visits can be booked online.
For more information, visit www.marwell.org.uk/education.
