Welcome to the Thrigby Hall wildlife gardens. See the beautiful gardens and the amazing wildlife we look after here in the gardens
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!
Venues with this Activity
The primary objective of Lake District Wildlife Park is wildlife conservation and promotion of sustainable lifestyles through experiential learning.
We believe that the future is in the hands of the world’s young people and our education programme aims to emphasize the interdependence of human beings, the animal world and the natural environment.
The King of Zoos
With more than two thousand exotic animals from across the globe and two on-site nature reserves, Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is an exciting and inspirational place for all ages to learn more about the world’s wonderful biodiversity through environmental education.
Cornwall's Biggest Zoo
With over 130 species, Newquay Zoo is an exciting and inspirational place for all ages to learn more about the world's wonderful biodiversity.
Torquay's Coastal Zoo & Aquarium
Welcome to Living Coasts, an all weather attraction, located on Torquay seafront in South Devon, where there’s plenty to see and do: mingle with the playful penguins, get up close to the otters, octopus and seals, and much more. Visit Penguin Beach to walk with the African and macaroni penguins and catch our entertaining
The College has a purpose-built Animal Management Centre, which continues to expand and grow to meet rising expectations and standards of animal welfare. Recent developments include a range of new facilities for small mammals and extensive renovation of our reptile and amphibian housing.
We offer a selection of Onsite education packages.
Q. How long are the sessions?
We offer 1/2 hr education sessions with hands-on encounters with various animals.
Q. Who are they aimed at?
The sessions are designed for pre-school, key stage 1 & 2 children.
Secret Valley Wildlife Park is the only Wildlife Park in the South East of Ireland. Ann O’Connor and her husband, John set up the original farm a few years ago and it has since grown from strength to strength. The passion that Ann and her staff have for the animals and environment is clearly evident from the moment the visitor is welcomed into the grounds.
LEADING THE WAY WITH INTERACTIVE WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES!
Seaview Wildlife really stands out from the crowd! Tucked away on the N.E. coast of the Island, situated on the outskirts of the pretty yachting village of Seaview, you will discover this hidden gem, the Isle of Wight's leader in hands-on wildlife experiences.
Home to one of Europe's largest collections of global marine life and the jewel in the crown of the 28 Sea Life attractions in the UK and Europe. Situated in the heart of London, the experience takes visitors on an immersive and interactive journey along the Great Oceanic Conveyor.
You'll have an amazing day out at our fantastic SEA LIFE adventure both above and below the ocean.
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SEA LIFE Adventure Park with over 1,000 incredible creatures from sharks and sea turtles to giant spider crabs and Octopus!
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53m panoramic tower giving you unrivalled views of the coastline.
The Scottish Deer Centre is set in the Fife countryside and covers over 55 acres. Our collection includes 14 species of Deer from around the world, Fife's only Wolf pack, Otters and other rare Scottish species including the Wildcat. We also host Raptor World Bird of Prey centre!
Historic - Inspiring - Educational - Great Fun
Welcome to England's Greatest Elizabethan house.
Welcome to Burghley, William Cecil’s ancestral home. This palatial Elizabethan prodigy house is still a much loved family home and we invite you to explore its historic collection of paintings, ceramics and works of art, many of which still stand where they were first recorded in 1688.
A great place to bring the kids to meet our farmyard animals, follow the farmer as he feeds the deer and meet mythical creatures in Fairytale Forest. Older kids can lose energy in the outdoor play area, while toddlers play in the indoor playroom.
Situated in the heart of the Rockingham Forest, the park offers access to fantastic woodlands, meadows, thickets, marshes and ponds to explore.
Recreation
A great family day out in the countryside with farm animals to meet and other activities to enjoy. Free entry for kids under 2 years old.
A tractor and trailer ride is included in the entry price and takes you to the deer park, which has over 150 deer of several different breeds.
You will even get a chance to feed some of the tamer members of the herd.
A place to learn about the specialist wildlife work done by the hospital and to meet some of the rescued animals. Activities and Talks held during school holidays.
Kids can find out about how they either release animals back to the wild when they are fit, or gives them a home if not.
More of a town than a house: six hundred years of history
Nestled in a medieval deer-park, Knole is vast, complex and full of hidden treasures. Originally an Archbishop’s palace, the house passed through royal hands to the Sackville family – Knole’s inhabitants from 1603 to today.
Discover Scottish wildlife and endangered animals of the world's mountains and tundra in our spectacular setting. Drive around the Main Reserve in your own car and then investigate the walk-round area on foot.
The Highland Wildlife Park is a great day out for any visitor, but for young people it offers a marvellous educational opportunity, which helps to meet the demands of the Curriculum of Excellence and bring their lessons alive. We want to become an extension of your classroom and a valuable learning resource.
Home to the UK's only giant pandas and koalas, as well as more than 1000 other amazing animals
Open 365 days a year, Edinburgh Zoo welcomes students of all ages. For a great day out, you can't beat Edinburgh Zoo. Our world-class attractions and our extensive animal collection will provide you and your family with memories to last a lifetime!
Join in the fun at Reaseheath Zoo. Meet our friendly ferrets, spot our newborn cotton-top tamarin twins, enjoy the spring sunshine with our ring-tailed lemurs and much more!
What We Do at the Raptor Foundation:
Provide medical care for injured raptors. Return rehabilitated birds to the wild. Provide sanctuary for unreleasable raptors.
Provide research into environmental problems and conservation matters. Assist with "Breed & Release" programs to rebuild raptor populations across Europe.
Paradise Wildlife Park is a fantastic Zoo, an amazing day out, an award winning family attraction & arguably the best venue for animal experience days in Europe. Full on fun with over 400 animals in Broxbourne, Hertfordshire.
Education
Our aim is to inspire, delight and give children first hand knowledge about life on the farm
We believe it is fundamentally important children understand about the food they eat and the effect farming has on their lives. We want their experience at Old MacDonald’s Farm to be fun and one that they will never forget.
Immerse yourself in a sea of colour, with ten spectacular recreated environments.
Come face to face with hundreds of creatures – from otters, rays and clownfish to sharks and piranhas – discover the world’s waters under one roof.
New for 2014 – See amazing baby loggerhead turtles cruise the waters of their new Key West home and get jaw-droppingly close to the new crocodile!
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The Bushcraft Company offer residential school trips with a difference, taking students into the wild and giving them real back-to-nature experiences they will never forget.
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