At Blackpool Zoo, we pride ourselves on creating an engaging day out for children, taking them on an educational journey that allows them to discover different animals and the natural world, bringing learning to life.

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We are pleased to serve educators in Lancashire and beyond, by providing science-based information to help nurture a love of nature and inspire conservation action. From pre-school learning adventures to animal scientist workshops, we offer a range of fun learning opportunities.

Our educational programmes are customised to suit any age or ability and there is no limit on the number of students who can participate.   The summer Big 5 Adventure Tours for schools offer the chance to discover and learn about topics such as habitats, adaptations, classification and endangered species at our ambassador animal enclosures .

We are a Zoo for all with programs tailor-made to suit any age, ability, or characteristic.  We have no limit on number of students, large groups can be accommodated.
We welcome school eco-councils and offer sustainability workshops and eco-champion advice panels and we offer hands on learning programmess available for smaller groups.

Our Animal Scientist workshops include:

Animal Identification

Can you find a bird? What about a mammal? With this topic children are encouraged to focus on the body coverings of animals to identify different animal groups.

Animal Observation

From flying and climbing to eating and resting, animals exhibit many different behaviours. By observing animals at Blackpool Zoo, students will identify many of these behaviours and learn why they are important for survival.

Animal Classification

Furry or scaly, feathered, or smooth, there are plenty of animal coverings to explore! Students will learn how scientists classify animals based on how they look and live. After observing similarities and differences between species at the zoo, students will classify many animals themselves.

Animal Habitats

Students will discover that there are many types of habitats and that each habitat is home to different types of animals. As students explore the zoo, they will learn what habitats have in common and how they differ.

Design a Habitat

What goes into designing a brand-new home for an animal at the zoo? Students will explore animal care and welfare and how these ideas were put into practice at Project Elephant Base Camp, Penguin Cove and Big Cat Habitat. Students will find ideas to create their own animal homes.

Animal Adaptations

Why do camels have thick fur? Why do giraffes have long necks? By observing animals at Blackpool Zoo, students will learn why species adapt based on the environment and how their physical characteristics give them a survival advantage.

Animal Behaviour

Students will observe different animal species at the zoo, collect information using a simple ethogram and make charts to illustrate their findings.

Structures and Senses

Horns, fur, and tails! Animals use their external structures and senses to survive. As students explore the zoo, they will learn why these characteristics provide a survival advantage by recording discoveries and drawing conclusions

Ecosystem Interactions

Ecosystems rely on a healthy balance of producers and consumers. As students explore the zoo they will identify animal diets, record data, and summarise their findings.

Environmental Enrichment

The animals at Blackpool Zoo receive enrichment to challenge their natural instincts and engage their senses. Enrichment can range from new scents and sounds to puzzle containers filled with food. Students learn why enrichment is important and explore the zoo spotting different forms of enrichment before designing their own enrichment toys.

EACH TOPIC IS CONSOLIDATED WITH A WORKSHEET INCLUDING ACTIVITIES AND TASKS TO COMPLETE BOTH AT THE ZOO AND BACK AT SCHOOL ALONG WITH A COMPLETION CERTIFICATE FOR YOUR ANIMAL SCIENTISTS!