Zoo Academy is a four-day course which allows students to gain knowledge and practical experience in working at Whipsnade Zoo.
Our exciting animal-based 4 day 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 and covers different aspects of caring for exotic animals in the zoo, including nutrition, training and conservation.
Your Zoo Academy course includes
- Four days at Whipsnade Zoo
- Theory sessions included each day
- Jam packed with practical activities all around 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):
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Zoo Academy course details
Course length: Four days
Time: 10.30am-4.00pm for the course duration (entry to the Zoo from 10.00am)
Location: Whipsnade Zoo
Capacity: 13 places available per course
Age range: 15-17 year-olds
Cost: £395
If you have any queries or questions about the course, feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected].
Available 2026 dates:
Course 1: Saturday 28th February - Saturday 21st March (4 Consecutive Saturdays)
Course 2: Tuesday 7th April - Friday 10th April
Course 3: Monday 13th July - Thursday 16th July
Course 4: Monday 20th July - Thursday 23rd July
Course 5: Monday 27th July - Thursday 30th July
Course 6: Monday 3rd August - Thursday 6th August
Course 7: Monday 10th August - Thursday 13th August
Course 8: Monday 17th August - Thursday 20th August
Course 9: Monday 24th August - Thursday 227th August
ZSL Gold Members, Patrons and Fellows receive a 10% discount on this experience. Please login in at checkout with the email address attached to your membership to activate your discount.
If you need to manage your booking please contact us using this form
Please note, this course is not part of a work experience programme and we are unable to complete any forms relating to work experience for this course.
Course dates for the 1st half of 2027 will be released in July/August 2026.
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.
