Last month, our Animal Management students took a trip to the Bristol Zoo Project to meet the wide range of animals and understand how a large-scale zoo operates. This was a fantastic opportunity for students to apply their knowledge of animal welfare and operations to an external organisation which attracts a high number of tourists each year.

Our Animal Management students' study both the theoretical and scientifical side of animal ecology, biology, and welfare, as well as the practical side of how to care for animals and keep their habitats maintained. Not only this, but they also learn about the operations behind animal centres such as the strategic oversight, administrative protocols, and commercial skills required to run these facilities.

Trips like this offer our students a valuable opportunity to apply their classroom learning to a real-world environment, deepening their understanding of animal behaviour, welfare, conservation and biodiversity. By observing different species and learning about their habitats, adaptations and care requirements, students can develop their practical knowledge and gain a greater appreciation of the responsibilities involved in working with animals.

The experience also helps students explore potential career pathways within the animal care and conservation industries, including zookeeping, wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Seeing how zoological organisations contribute to conservation efforts and educate the public about endangered species can inspire students to consider how they could make a positive impact on animal welfare and the protection of wildlife in their future careers.

Joe Trotham, Animal Management lecturer at Weston College, said, “Taking our students to organisations such as the Bristol Zoo Project is a fantastic opportunity for them to see how a successful wildlife conservation centre is run and gain a more in-depth understanding of the critical role that conservation zoos play in engaging communities and providing opportunities for the public to connect with wildlife. Seeing these principles put into practice gives students valuable insight into the importance of animal welfare, habitat preservation and biodiversity, while demonstrating how their studies can translate into meaningful careers within the animal management and conservation sectors.”

This curriculum trip forms part of the Animal Management Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.

Progress to the next level in Animal Management! At University Centre Weston (UCW) our students give us impressive feedback, with our latest National Student Survey results putting us above average in all nine areas! Find out more about our exceptional teaching, wellbeing services and learning resources by visiting our website. Click here!

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.