Oakham School’s Form 6 Biology Society members enjoyed an educational trip to Twycross Zoo, to learn more about conservation and biodiversity.
Teacher of Biology and trip leader, Dr Andrew Nicoll tells us more:
“After months of lockdown, the pupils welcomed the chance to have a trip to Twycross Zoo for this term’s Bio Soc meeting. Renowned as a specialist primate zoo, Twycross looks after around 500 animals, including a number of endangered species, many of which are part of European or other international conservation breeding programmes which help ensure a future for such species on the brink of extinction. The visit began with a short talk on ex situ conservation by Mr Clint, himself a keen birder. Indeed, ‘Lorikeet Landing’ was a highlight, as were the big cat and the various primate colonies. We were fortunate to reach the lemur enclosure just as they were going to bed, and it was great fun watching their keeper trying to get the lemurs ‘into their correct dorms after lights out!’ (as it were). With slightly poor weather, there were few other visitors and so we had the penguins, flamingos and giant tortoises virtually to ourselves. All zoos in the country have faced a considerable financial challenge during the pandemic because they depend on visitor income to feed the animals, and our pupils each bought a cuddly toy to help support them.’ We hope readers will kindly consider making a donation to Twycross or adopting an animal (https://twycrosszoo.org/join-our-fight/ ) and the Biology Department looks forward to the resumption of the full range of Bio Soc activities next term.
