Animal Encounters

Animal Encounters

What is it? 

Interactions with animals can vary immensely; they can range from big establishments with no animal contact such as zoos, small animals at a farm park. 

What does it involve?

The basis of all encounters with animals is to interact with them! Sometimes it may be from a distance to ensure safety on both sides, but you can often get up close; you can train and even ride some animals.

Why do it and what are the benefits?

Spending time with animals has been proven to be beneficial in many aspects of life and development - it can teach things such as compassion, responsibility, and discipline for both yourself and others. 

What equipment do we need?

Depending on what sort of animal encounter it is, the equipment involved will vary. For example, riding a horse requires a lot more specialist equipment than stroking a cat! Make sure to check with your destination to see if you need to bring anything. 

Who is it suitable for?

Animal encounters are suitable for pretty much anyone - always be careful with smaller children though, as they may not understand how to handle them properly. 

Costs?

Can vary from free to reasonably expensive. Grounds that are open to the public and free to enter can often have wildlife roaming around to admire, but more extravagant establishments such as zoos with many more animals will undoubtedly cost more!

Issues/Things to think about? (unsuitable for age groups, medical conditions etc)

Be aware of allergies when it comes to animal encounters; although mild allergies are much more common, the risk of a student having a severe reaction means you should exercise caution if there is going to be physical contact with an animal. 

How do we include?

It will depend entirely on the type of animal encounter, but in general these kinds of activities will be great to include all students in, as everyone can interact with an animal in some manner. 

Doing it abroad?

The variety of animals abroad will often vary greatly from our own, and encountering them can be a once in a lifetime opportunity! Foreign nature and safari parks can be great places to visit, so make sure to check out your destination thoroughly to see if there's one you can take a trip to.  

Main website: 

Check out individual websites for specific information on what's available for you to do!

 

See the list below for venues and providers who deliver this activity:

Venue Type: 
Theme Parks
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Drayton Manor is a fun-filled theme park near Tamworth with rides like Apocalypse, Maelstrom and Pandemonium, animals and of course Thomas Land, home of Thomas the Tank Engine. There's even a 4D cinema and a Dino Trail.

School Visits

Drayton Manor is the favourite day out for schools and colleges. History, heritage, nature and conservation, science, Business and leisure and Health and Safety – there's a host of educational opportunities – plus real value for money!

Key Stage 1 Workshops

Venue Type: 
Maritime / Sea Life
Overall Rating: 
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Situated right on the sea-front next to Brighton's iconic pier, SEA LIFE Brighton is the world's oldest operating aquarium and provides a fascinating insight into life below the waves.

Venue Type: 
Maritime / Sea Life
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SEA LIFE Manchester offers an interactive, hands-on visit for schools and groups. With an array of amazing creatures and our helpful and knowledgeable staff on hand to answer questions and offer amazing facts about the creatures that you'll see, this is an inspiring visit for all. A day out at SEA LIFE will leave you with fantastic memories and feeling empowered to make a difference to the underwater world.

Venue Type: 
Maritime / Sea Life
Overall Rating: 
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Looking for family attractions and things to do in Istanbul? Visit Istanbul SEA LIFE Aquarium, located in Forum Istanbul Shopping Mall and home to an exciting collection of sea creatures. With an amazing 83m long underwater Ocean Tunnel, 270 degree panoramic viewing Sea Bed, 21 themed zones with 47 display tanks and more than 15,000 sea creatures, the aquarium is the perfect stop for family fun! To get any closer you would have to get wet! 

Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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At the Royal Victoria Park there are a wide range of activities that you can enjoy.

Wildlife and Habitats

Extensive coastal area famous for wild birds, sandy beach and Roman Fort
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
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Famous for its mussels, the fishing village of Brancaster Staithe lies on the shores of the beautiful north Norfolk coast. Follow the history of the fishing industry at Brancaster Quay, enjoy one of the many courses available at the flagship Brancaster Activity Centre.

Rolling countryside with small fields and woodlands divided by hedges and sunken lanes
Venue Type: 
Wildlife and Nature
Overall Rating: 
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Escape to a rural retreat just a few miles south-west of Bristol, where'll you discover fantastic views from the ridge across the Severn estuary to Wales and north back to Bristol. Enjoy peaceful woodlands and babbling brooks.

18th-century Welsh gentry estate - with house, walled gardens and home farm
Venue Type: 
Parks and Gardens
Overall Rating: 
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This rare example of a self-sufficient 18th-century Welsh minor gentry estate has survived virtually unaltered.

The villa, designed in the 1790s, is the most complete example of the early work of John Nash. It has its own service courtyard with dairy, laundry, brewery and salting house, and walled kitchen gardens (with all its produce for sale when in season).

Venue Type: 
Zoos / Wildlife Parks
Overall Rating: 
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Golders Hill Park’s landscaped grounds contain beautiful plant displays including the peaceful Mediterranean and water gardens, a popular café and a bandstand.

Zoo

Golders Hill Park is home to a free zoo, with a growing collection of rare and exotic birds and mammals such as laughing kookaburras, ring-tailed lemurs and ring-tailed coatis.

It is one of only two free zoos in London registered with BIAZA, the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Classic south Lakeland countryside with views of the fells and lakes
Venue Type: 
Historic Buildings & Monuments
Overall Rating: 
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The western shore of Windermere is perfect for a car-free adventure for all the family. Why not travel over on the ferry from Bowness? In less than 15 minutes you’ll leave the busy eastern shore behind you and arrive at the naturally beautiful west shore.  

From here you can discover the mystical heights of Claife Viewing Station and learn about its colourful history.

The Station courtyard is perfect for picnics followed by a gentle wander up the slope where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Windermere, at the top.

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