Availability throughout the year (either consecutive Saturdays or Monday-Friday)
Zoo Academy is a five-day course which allows students to gain practical experience and knowledge in working at Whipsnade Zoo.
Our exciting animal-based course is designed for 15–17-year old’s who wish to enter animal-based careers such as zookeeping or pursue other animal science careers and studies including vets and vet nurses.
A packed timetable takes you behind the scenes at the Zoo and covers the different aspects of caring for exotic animals in captivity, including nutrition, training and conservation.
Your Zoo Academy course includes
- Five days at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
- Theory sessions and practical activities in the zoo
- Access to digital ‘Zoo Academy’ worksheets and resources
- A ‘Zoo Academy’ certificate of attendance
- A digital reference on ZSL headed paper
- A copy of all photos taken on the course
- A unique ‘Zoo Academy’ hoody
- Two complimentary tickets for family or friends on the final day of the course
Sample schedule (please note this is just an example and is subject to change):
Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Day 5 |
• Icebreaker, Health & Safety | • Nutrition theory | • Animal behaviour and training theory | • Conservation Breeding programmes & studbooks theory | • Enclosure design theory |
If you have any queries or questions about the course, feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected].
Zoo Academy course details
Course length: Five days
Time: 10.30am-4pm for the course duration (entry to the Zoo from 10am)
Location: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Cost: £475
Capacity: 12 places available per course
Age range: 15-17 year-olds
(ZSL Gold Members, Patrons and Fellows receive a 10% discount on this experience. Please enter your CRM ID in the Offer Code box. To manage your booking please visit https://zslwhipsnadezoo.seetickets.com/customerservice)
Please note that although Zoo Academy offers practical experience and an insight into working at the Zoo, we are unable to complete any forms relating to work experience for this course.
Whipsnade Zoo Academy course dates
Saturday courses (Every Saturday for 5 weeks)
- 24/02/2024 - 23/03/2024
- 20/04/2024 - 18/05/2024
- 08/06/2024 - 06/07/2024
- 14/09/2024 - 12/10/2024
- 09/11/2024 - 07/12/2024
Weekday courses (Monday-Friday)
- 15/07/2024 - 19/07/2024
- 22/07/2024 - 26/07/2024
- 29/07/2024 - 02/08/2024
- 05/08/2024 - 09/08/2024
- 12/08/2024 - 16/08/2024
- 19/08/2024 - 23/08/2024
Please note, this course is not part of a work experience programme.
Terms and Conditions
Places are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and you will be provided with a parental consent form with your ticket which must be returned to ZSL to confirm your place. Please note your child will not be able to participate in Zoo Academy unless we have received the consent form. Consent forms must be returned no later than two weeks before the course. Once payment has been taken, refunds cannot be given, and dates cannot be swapped (unless the student has been instructed to self-isolate and will miss the duration of the course).
Book Whipsnade Zoo Academy (15-17 year-olds)
Whipsnade Zoo Academy (15-17 year-olds)
This five-day course allows students to gain experience and knowledge.