Sea Life Blackpool has launched a conservation campaign highlighting the importance of bugs and insects to the world’s rainforests.
To showcase the project, the aquarium has unveiled a new display for school groups, featuring an array of creatures, such as giant African land snails; hissing and death head cockroaches; praying mantis and giant grubs.
It is the latest in a wide range of conservation and awareness work being carried out at the visitor attraction. Its aim is to highlight the vital role insects play in rainforests where their habitat is under increasing threat and many face extinction.
Matthew Titherington, general manager at Sea Life Blackpool, believes the new Rainforest Ranger Table display will broaden children and young people’s understanding of the peculiar and captivating creatures that play such an important role in rainforest eco-systems. Amongst other things, they act as a food source for other animals, increase the fertility of the soil and also help pollination.
Matthew explained: “We want people to find out more about where they live and what’s happening to their natural habitats. The new table we have set up will for the first time enable visitors, especially children, to hold and get really close to these wonderful creatures under the watchful eye of Sea Life experts, who’ll be on hand to guide and talk about the different species.
“To see children’s faces light up after they have held some of the insects and other creatures the first time, it creates a very powerful and lasting memory.”
School groups visiting the aquarium will have the chance to get up close to the creatures outside their enclosures and learn more about their lives using touch-screen information guides as well as through the Sea Life Blackpool rangers.
“What we’re aiming to achieve is a truly interactive experience. Our rangers are able to take out the creatures, so you can touch and hold them,” said Matthew.
Teacher looking to book a trip can contact the education manager on 01253-629216 or email us schoolsblackpool@merlinentertainments.biz.
For further information visit www.visitsealife.com/blackpool
