In Wildlife Under Threat students examine the underworld of wildlife crime as we use real Customs seizures to reveal the devastating impact of hunting and exploitation on animal populations. Students will explore the factors which may contribute to the extinction of a species and look at the main driving forces behind hunting and the illegal wildlife trade by examining real objects from the natural world, on loan to Whipsnade Zoo from HM Revenue and Customs. They will be encouraged to discuss and debate some controversial statements about hunting, using the information provided. After exploring their own opinions, students will find out how ZSL is working to combat these issues around the world and shining the light on this growing problem.

Please note, some students may find certain hunted objects shocking.

Age: KS3 (11 - 14 years old)Duration: 45 minutesCapacity: 35 students Indoor workshop
Elephant ivory sovenirs

Intended learning outcomes:

Students will be able to:

  • Gain an understanding that hunting and the illegal wildlife trade are major threats to animals.
  • State some examples of animals that are endangered due to hunting.
  • Identify some of the reasons why animals are hunted
  • Gain an understanding that the reasons why people hunt animals are complex and varied, and that in order to conserve animals we need to understand these reasons
  • Gain an understanding of the work of ZSL in tackling hunting and wildlife trade, and what actions they can take action to help

Online Teaching Resources:

National Curriculum Links
KS3 EnglishSpoken english
  • Speak confidently and effectively in a range of formal and informal contexts, including classroom discussion.
  • Giving short speeches and presentations, expressing their own ideas and keeping to the point
  • Participating in formal debates and structured discussions, summarising and/or building on what has been said
KS3 BiologyInteractions and interdependenciesRelationships in an ecosystem
  • How organisms affect, and are affected by, their environment, including the accumulation of toxic materials
Genetics and evolutionInheritance, chromosomes, DNA and genes
  • Changes in the environment which may leave individuals within a species, and some entire species, less well adapted to compete successfully and reproduce, which in turn may lead to extinction
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