Drusillas Trip

On Wednesday, students from the Academy, Kent College, Skinners’ School, Oakley School  and The Weald School visited Drusillas Zoo Park for the final event in their year long project on Conservation.

James, who is Assistant Keeper at Drusillas, spoke to the group about the challenges of conserving rare species in the wild and the role that Zoos like Drusillas play in helping to save a range of species from the risk of extinction.  Drusillas Zoo Park are part of the European Ex situ Programme (EEPs), which breeds threatened species to bolster their populations. 50% of Drusillas species are part of carefully managed breeding programs. 

The students had the opportunity to handle various artifacts made from animals confiscated by customs as people tried to bring them into the country.  This brought home the message that some animals are endangered because of the trade in animal products, such as skins and tusks.

At the end of the session we all had the opportunity to stroke a skunk, a cockroach and a hairy armadillo!

The students them had time to explore the zoo park and see the wide range of animals, including, meerkats, penguins, baboons and red pandas.