The rainforests of the world are not just rich in biodiversity but are also the source of many foods we enjoy daily in the UK. From tropical fruits and exotic spices to coffee and chocolate, these ecosystems supply a surprising variety of ingredients that end up on our plates or in our shopping carts. However, the journey of these foods to supermarkets often comes at a cost to the environment. Understanding where our food comes from and making conscious choices can help support rainforest conservation. Pandanus fruit (medicine fruit) - Trinidad Take fruits, for instance. Mangoes, bananas, papayas, and açaí berries thrive in rainforest climates. Açaí, specifically, comes directly from the Amazon, where its sustainable harvesting supports local communities. Meanwhile, avocados—another favourite in the UK—originate from regions like Mexico and South America, where balancing farming with ecological preservation is a constant challenge. Flower of a ginger plant - Trinidad Rainforest nuts also play an important role in global diets. Brazil nuts are a prime example of a food entirely dependent on an intact rainforest ecosystem. The trees they grow on rely on wild pollinators and cannot be cultivated on plantations, making them a symbol of sustainable rainforest harvesting. Cashews, though less strictly tied to rainforests, are widely grown in tropical regions and require careful farming to minimize harm to biodiversity. A cinnamon tree forest - Sumatra When it comes to flavour, the rainforest’s contribution is unparalleled. Spices such as cinnamon, vanilla, nutmeg, and black pepper are staples of UK kitchens, yet their origins trace back to tropical forests in Southeast Asia, Madagascar, and the Americas. Vanilla, for instance, is derived from an orchid native to rainforests, and its cultivation requires delicate, labour-intensive methods. Similarly, cacao, the source of chocolate, grows in rainforest regions such as Ghana, Brazil, and Ivory Coast, providing a crucial livelihood for millions of farmers. Tea plantation in front of a volcano - Sumatra Beyond solid foods, rainforests contribute to the drinks we consume. Coffee, one of the most consumed beverages in the UK, is often grown in shaded tropical forest areas, preserving biodiversity when done sustainably. Tea, though primarily cultivated on plantations, often comes from rainforest-adjacent regions in India or Sri Lanka. Coconut products, increasingly popular in the UK for their versatility, are another staple sourced from tropical ecosystems, primarily in Southeast Asia. Arial view of a palm oil plantation - Costa Rica Many of these foods are also hidden in processed products. Palm oil, found in countless UK supermarket items, is a controversial ingredient due to its links to deforestation in Indonesia and Malaysia. Sugarcane, another common ingredient, is cultivated in tropical areas with varying impacts on local ecosystems. Wild ginger - Trinidad The reliance of global diets on rainforest-sourced foods underscores the importance of sustainable practices. As consumers, we can make a difference by choosing certified sustainable products like Fairtrade coffee or organic chocolate, reducing food waste, and supporting brands that prioritize environmental and social responsibility. Rainforests are vital to our planet, and by making informed decisions, we can enjoy their bounty while contributing to their protection.

From residents to migratory species, Norway is home to 21,311 animals. Join us as we travel through the varied and unique habitat of the mainland and some of its 50,000 islands for some fantastic animal facts about wild animals of Norwegian Animals .  Home to the biggest land predator  Polar bears are the most dangerous animal in Norway. However, to see one,  you must head to Svalbard - an archipelago North of the Arctic Circle.  Summer is the best time to spot polar bears due to the ‘polar day’ - for 5 months of the year, Svalbard is in daylight 24/7.    30% of the world’s Atlantic puffins live in Norway Residing along the cliffs surrounding the Atlantic Ocean and the Norwegian Sea, puffins spend most of their life at sea and come on land to breed and usually return to the same cliffs where they hatched The spotted sea hare has an internal  transparent shell and is coloured by the seaweed it eats  This sea hare is registered in the North-East Atlantic Ocean, from Greenland and Norway to the Mediterranean. Serpents play a big part in Norse mythology The largest serpent of all time is the Midgard Serpent, Jörmundgandr. Jörmundgandr was one of Loki’s children. Oden was threatened by Jörmundgandr’s size and threw him into the ocean, he became so large that he encircled the Earth and bit his tale. Jörmundgandr is known for his role in Ragnarok.  Norway is one of the best places in the planet to see orcas  The fjords off of Tromsø have unique features helping orcas herd fish around the steep walls and narrow passages. Hardangervidda National Park is the southernmost limit for snowy owls   Did you know that snowy owls are not nocturnal? They can hunt at any time and are most active during the day during summer.  1.9 billion inverts enter Norway every year via plants  Invasive species are considered one of the five most important drivers of global biodiversity loss. Skrei travel 1,000 km to spawn in Norwegian waters .  Skrei spend most of their life in the Barents Sea before heading to Norwegian shores. It is considered a delicacy in Norway and is only available Jan - April. Leatherback tortoises store heat through movement keeping them warm in cold water Normally an animal you would associate with warmer climates, the leather-back tortoise has been known to travel as North as Norway, sometimes bringing with it tropical fish.   Spitsbergen is home to the endemic Svalbard reindeer. This species has developed adaptations to help them survive in the harsh polar biome. They are smaller and with thick hollow fur to help conserve heat and store air adding extra insulation. Are your pupils studying Adaptations or Habitat? If so, please get in touch. ZooLab’s team are experts at hitting those Living Things and Their Habitats outcomes. Contact us at info@zoolabuk.com or fill in our   contact form .

Attracting birds to your outdoor space can transform your garden into a vibrant, dynamic retreat full of song, colour, and natural beauty. Whether you’re looking to create a peaceful sanctuary or simply enjoy the calming presence of birds, there are plenty of simple yet effective ways to invite them into your garden. From selecting the right plants to setting up cosy birdhouses, let’s explore some easy strategies to make your garden a bird-friendly paradise. Brush up on your bird knowledge Before anything else, it’s a good idea to know what birds are local to your area and if there are any in particular you want to attract. Although birds have the same requirements on a basic level (food, shelter, water, etc), each bird likes and requires different things. Some eat only seeds and berries, others are omnivores, some are solitary, and others stay in flocks or colonies. Doing your research empowers you to provide your local wildlife with exactly what it needs.   Provide food The easiest way to attract birds to your garden is by providing them with plenty of tasty, nutritious food. It’s a good idea to think ahead to the coming seasons. While planting berry bushes will provide food in the warmer months, consider also providing suet/fat blocks, which can help birds survive the winter. Seeds like sunflower hearts and niger seeds provide a wide variety of birds with the nutrients and protein they need. Mealworms are very popular with blackbirds, starlings, and robins. It’s also a good idea not to cut back plants too much so that birds can forage naturally for their food.   Foods to avoid are… Desiccated coconut – They can swell up in a bird’s stomach Cooked oats – These can dry up and affect the movement of their beaks Multipurpose pet food   You should also consider the maintenance of the feeding stations themselves. Consider having more than one, if you have the space, with different foods to attract different species. Make sure to clean all feeding areas and move them around regularly to avoid the spread of disease.   Provide water Water is also fundamental to a bird’s survival, so making water readily available in your garden will help to attract birds, too. Bird baths or shallow dishes of water allow them a safe place to hydrate and clean themselves. The water should be replaced often to avoid the spread of disease, and make sure to keep an eye on the water during colder months in case the water freezes over. You could also consider creating a pond in your garden. As well as providing a great place for them to drink and bathe, it will also attract a wealth of other animals and insects to your garden.   Provide nesting places & materials Another great way to attract birds is to think about what you put in your garden and where. Adding nesting boxes allows birds a place to shelter in safety, and there are a few different options for you to choose from. Small-holed nest boxes are the classic choice, suitable for a large amount of birds. They need to be placed high up on a wall or tree, out of the way of predators. Open-front nest boxes, on the other hand, are great for robins or wrens and should be placed low to the ground for easy access. You can also buy sparrow terraces, which are essentially three nesting boxes in one, which allow sparrows to breed in colonies. Whichever bird box you pick, they shouldn’t be placed in direct sunlight or in the face of strong winds. You want the birds in your garden to feel as safe as possible, so keeping their shelter out of the path of strong adverse weather is a great place to start. Place them away from windows to keep birds from colliding with them. Also, provide plenty of plant cuttings, twigs, and leaves for birds to nest with. Another way to keep them safe is to a void garden netting, which birds can get caught in. Grow bird-friendly plants Thinking about the plants you grow will also affect the birds that come into your garden. The idea is to provide lots of multi-purpose plants that they can feed on and use for shelter. Trees and shrubs that grow berries and fruits are a really great starting point. Seed-rich plants, like honeysuckle or ivy, are another great option, attracting not just birds but insects for them to feed on and plenty of leafy sheltering space. Shrubbery and bushes give birds a safe place to stay with lots of dense cover. Lastly, planting lots of wildflowers is a great idea. Not only do they brighten up your garden, but the flowers will attract lots of insects for the birds in your garden. “How do I attract birds if I don’t have a garden?” No worries! There’s still plenty you can do to help the birds in your local area. If you have a balcony, keep it clean and consider adding some hanging plants and greenery. These will attract insects that birds can feed on. You could even try adding a nesting box if you have the space. There are also feeders available that fit over the railings of your balcony or attach to windows; just check them regularly to ensure they are still secure.

Our wildlife in the UK has been degraded over many years of human development. We remove valuable habitats for our own needs, but this often results in a loss of biodiversity. There are many ways that we can help British wildlife flourish, by using our gardens as a safe place for animals and changing some of our behaviours - we can make a positive difference in the world! 1. Don't use chemicals in your garden! Chemical use in our gardens has been going on for many decades. We don't want our precious plants getting munched away by slugs, snails, caterpillars and many other 'pest' species, so many people will put down slug pellets, ant powder and other chemicals to protect their plants. Our wet summer this year has been explosive for slugs and snails and so the horticultural treat is great. However, if you put poisons in your garden you will not only kill the desired pests, but also any predator that might feed on them. This can be hedgehogs, birds of prey and many other smaller bird species. Having these 'pest' species in your garden dramatically increase the other species too, and these are often animals that bring us joy to see. Chemical fertilisers also find their way into the water table and are usually toxic to aquatic life. 2. Stop using throw-away plastics. We all know that plastics are extremely bad for our environment. As they break down, microplastics are released and these find their way everywhere! In the ground, in the water cycle, in the animals and even in you! Scarily enough, the average human ingests around 5g of microplastics a week! That's like eating a credit card's worth of plastic every single week! This statistic alone should make it clear why we should recycle everything that we can. Cleaning our environment will also help reduce the trash and toxins our wildlife (and ourselves) will get exposed to! ZooLab does a company-wide litter pick every year where we clean the areas around where we live. It's quite shocking how much we collect! 3. Support pollinating insects. Butterflies, bees, wasps, beetles and flies are all important pollinating insects, without them we would lose a vast majority of food and crop production. They are also extremely delicate and fragile animals, easily affected by chemicals and environmental change. There are many ways in which we can help them flourish... Planting native plants that are known to feed pollinators is really helpful. Foxglove, Lavender and other wildflowers greatly aid pollinators. Having an overgrown patch in your garden also gives them a place to lay eggs and hide. Installing a 'Bee hotel' also gives a place for solitary bee species to nest. Areas of bare ground also offer a nesting site for bees as many dig tunnels underground to nest too. 4. Create a safe wildlife garden. Our gardens can become a paradise for wildlife if we understand what they need. Allowing a passage in and out of your garden is very helpful. I have a small gap under my fence which allows hedgehogs in and out... I've never seen one but have found its droppings (goodbye slugs and snails). If you are a cat owner then I'd suggest putting a bell on its collar, this alerts birds and other animals to its presence and gives wildlife a chance to escape. In the UK, domestic cats are responsible for around 100-275 million animal kills each year! Installing bat and bird boxes provides vital nesting sites in urban areas, where they are more scarce. Having a diverse garden is also beneficial. Having a log pile allows for many invertebrate species to live there, an area of overgrown weeds and native plants and a pond greatly increases the biodiversity of your garden. I have a dead Cherry tree in my garden and I've just left it to break down by itself, I regularly see woodpeckers feeding on the insects living in its trunk. 5. Reduce water consumption. Our rivers and waterways are under a great threat. Sewerage is getting dumped into our rivers at a level that's simply illegal. So we need to do whatever we can to reduce the pressures on our water systems. One suggestion would be to use a water butt in your garden, the rainwater collected can be used to water the garden, fill the bird bath and reduce what's being taken from the system. Fixing a leak like a dripping tap will reduce your bills and also the amount of water getting wasted.  6. Support British wildlife initiatives. Helping support wildlife projects near you will help contribute to wildlife conservation. By volunteering or making a donation you will help with the ongoing work involved in the projects. You can also get involved in citizen science by helping conduct animal surveys such as the Big Garden Birdwatch or the butterfly count - organised by the Butterfly Conservation Trust. These surveys greatly increase our understanding of animal populations and their geographic hot spots. 7. Spread the word! This is something we can all do with very little effort. Show your enthusiasm when you see something interesting! For example, a few years ago I had a lesser spotted woodpecker in my garden and I went to my neighbours to tell them I had just seen this very rare bird! They quickly wanted to know what they could do to lure it into theirs for their viewing pleasure! Join local wildlife pages on social media, it's amazing what other people local to you spot, photograph and post! Pass on your knowledge and interest to people and try to inspire them! The more people who have an interest, the bigger difference we can all make!

It’s STEM Day! Celebrating the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths, this day aims to inspire people to get excited about (and maybe even join) STEM fields. We have a range of curriculum-based workshops that encourage your students to get excited about all things STEM. Here are some of our favourite STEM workshops Biomimetics Animals have adapted in some really interesting ways to survive and thrive in their habitats. From Batesian mimicry (where harmless species imitate more dangerous ones as a form of camouflage) to parthenogenesis (in which an animal reproduces asexually), nature provides a stream of interesting solutions to science and engineering problems.   That’s where biomimetics comes in! This workshop discusses the concept of biomimicry, in which those working in STEM use the ingenuity of nature to solve human issues and inspire discovery.   Evolution In 1835, Charles Darwin travelled to the Galapagos Islands to study the variety of animals that lived there. His discoveries formed the basis for his theory of evolution, challenging the religious views of the time. He found that the animals on different islands had evolved characteristics which made them better at surviving in their environment.   Our evolution workshop follows Darwin on his journey, accompanied by our ZooLab animal team. We examine animals up close and discuss scientific concepts like adaptations', 'mutations', 'natural selection', and 'inheritance' and discuss how fossils can help us understand the evolutionary journey.  ZET: ZooLab Environmental Time Machine Get ready to travel through time in ZET: ZooLab Environmental Time Machine , as we look at climate data throughout time. From fossil fuels and sea ice to rainforest and distinction levels, this workshop encourages students to form a direct comparison between human behaviour and climate change.   Climate change has never been a more important and pressing issue in our society. Significant and long-term changes in environmental factors and weather conditions differentiate climate change from other weather phenomena. By looking at the long-term effects of humanity on the environment, we can begin to develop new and innovative ways to slow (or possibly even reverse) the effects of climate change. Rainforest Unwrapped This workshop takes you on an exciting journey through Earth’s oldest ecosystem: the rainforest. Through hands-on animal encounters, children learn about the different products we get from the rainforest, its impact on the surrounding environment, and what can be done to reverse the damage already done.   Rainforests once covered around 14% of the Earth’s surface, but this has plummeted to only around 6% now. Teaching the next generation about the importance of this ecosystem is vital for its survival. This workshop asks whether we can reverse the depletion of this important habitat and whether sustainability and recycling is the answer. Build A Dinosaur A great workshop for any budding engineers in your setting! Combining scientific work and imagination, we uncover the big ideas of science and stimulate keen interest in young minds. Using the characteristics of pre-existing animals, we create our own, brand-new dinosaurs! Animals have evolved over millions of years to have characteristics that increase their chance of individual survival as well as the survival of their species. Some species have even survived from the time of the dinosaurs to today with little change! Researching these animal species and their dino descendants gives scientists a better picture of the timeline of our planet and the creatures that inhabit it.

Rhinos are an incredibly important part of the animal kingdom. They are what we call a keystone species, meaning that their presence within the ecosystem has a disproportionate effect on other organisms within the ecosystem. As the rhino population decreases, we begin to see this effect on the plants and animals that surround them.  Even with this, rhinos are very misunderstood creatures. By breaking down the barriers of information around these beautiful animals, we can begin to protect these animals for the next generation. Where are rhinos found?  All in all, there are 5 species of rhino, found in the continents of Africa and Asia. In Asia, there is the Greater One-Horned Rhino (India and Nepal), the Sumatran Rhino (islands of Sumatra and Borneo), and the Javan Rhino which can only be found in a protected area on the island of Java, Indonesia. In Africa, you can find the Black and White Rhinos living across South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Kenya. They mainly live in shrublands and desert-like conditions. Rhinos, sadly, have a much harder chance surviving outside of wildlife reserves due to poaching and habitat loss. When do rhinos sleep?  The sleeping habits of rhinos actually depend on their species! Some are diurnal, like the Black rhino. Diurnal means most of the animal’s activity is done during the day, like humans. White rhinos, on the other hand, are nocturnal. They do this as temperatures are much cooler during the night, and there may be a lower chance of persecution by predators and poachers. In general rhinos sleep for around 8 hours a day. Do rhinos lay eggs? Do rhinos lay eggs? No, they don’t. Rhinos are mammals, which means they give birth to live young. Rhinos have quite a slow reproduction rate, their gestation period is up to 13 months and they only give birth to one calf every 2-4 years. This makes conserving the species even more important.  Do rhino horns grow back? They do! Rhino horns act the same way as fingernails, because they are both made of keratin. Studies have actually shown that rhino horns grow back faster on rhinos that have been dehorned than those that haven’t. Rhinos are dehorned usually every 18 months and the procedure is estimated to remove between 90% and 93% of horn mass.  Dehorning is done to protect the rhino as they are often killed by poachers for their horns, due to their use in traditional medicine. What are a group of rhinos called? A group of rhinos are called a crash or a herd! What rhinos are extinct and which are endangered? Sadly, since the beginning of the 20th Century, rhino population numbers have dropped dramatically. Mostly down to habitat loss and poaching, this has led to rhino species being put on the endangered species list or even classed as extinct. The Western Black Rhino and Northern White Rhino, for example, were recently declared extinct in the wild - the only two remaining Northern White Rhino  are kept under 24-hour guard in Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. On the endangered species list are the likes of the Southern White Rhino. Once thought to be extinct, the population has increased and is now thriving in protected sanctuaries thanks to conservation efforts.  What can we do to protect the rhino? There are a few ways in which we can help preserve this keystone species: Choose products that don’t contain rhino horn Support causes that focus on rhino conservation Raise awareness for the plight of rhinos and the dangers of habitat loss and poaching Be mindful of climate change and our effect on the environment World Rhino Day is celebrated on the 22nd of September every year and aims to raise awareness of the hardships that rhinos experience, as well as giving an opportunity to advicate for rhino issues worldwide.

Endangerment and extinction are real threats to many animals that exist on our planet. Whether that is from climate change, deforestation, or overhunting, we need to be aware of these threats and work to protect the biodiversity on Earth. We thought we'd run you through some of the most endangered animals on the planet. Endangered Animals Amur Leopard The Amur leopard is critically endangered, with an estimated population of around 100 individuals left in the wild. Historically, the Amur leopard's range extended across the Korean Peninsula, northeast China, and the Russian Far East. However, due to habitat loss, poaching, and prey depletion, its population has drastically declined. Vaquita The vaquita is the most endangered marine mammal in the world, with fewer than 10 individuals remaining. Historically, the vaquita inhabited the northern Gulf of California in Mexico. However, illegal fishing practices, particularly the use of gillnets to catch totoaba fish, have led to a rapid decline in its population. Javan Rhino The Javan rhino is critically endangered, with only around 70 individuals remaining in a single population in Indonesia. Historically, the Javan rhino inhabited dense tropical forests across Southeast Asia. However, habitat loss and poaching have caused its population to decline dramatically, with only one remaining population in Ujung Kulon National Park in Java, Indonesia. Hawksbill Turtle Hawksbill turtles are critically endangered, with population estimates ranging from a few thousand to tens of thousands of individuals worldwide. Historically, hawksbill turtles were found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. However, habitat loss, pollution, and illegal wildlife trade, particularly for their beautiful shells, have caused their population to decline significantly. Conservation efforts such as habitat protection and anti-poaching measures are crucial for their survival. Sumatran Rhino The Sumatran rhino is critically endangered, with fewer than 80 individuals remaining in the wild. Historically, the Sumatran rhino ranged across Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. However, habitat loss and fragmentation, as well as poaching for its horn, have led to a significant decline in its population. Mountain Gorilla Mountain gorillas are endangered, with an estimated population of around 1,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Historically, mountain gorillas inhabited the forests of central Africa. However, habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict have led to a decline in their population. Conservation efforts in countries such as Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have helped stabilize their numbers in recent years. Black Rhino Black rhinos are critically endangered, with an estimated population of fewer than 5,000 individuals remaining in the wild. Historical Population: Historically, black rhinos were widespread across sub-Saharan Africa. However, poaching for their horns, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict have led to a dramatic decline in their population. Conservation efforts, including anti-poaching patrols and habitat restoration, are essential for their survival. These species are just a few examples of the many facing extinction due to human activities such as habitat destruction, poaching, pollution, and climate change. Urgent conservation action is needed to protect these species and ensure their survival for future generations. There are several actions people in the UK can take to help protect endangered species: Support Conservation Organizations : Donate to or volunteer with organizations dedicated to protecting endangered species and their habitats, both locally and globally. Reduce Consumption : Choose products made from sustainable or recycled materials to reduce demand for resources that contribute to habitat destruction and species decline. Advocate for Policies : Support policies and legislation that promote conservation efforts and protect habitats and wildlife. Educate Others: Raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and the threats facing endangered species through education and outreach efforts. Practice Responsible Tourism : When traveling, choose eco-friendly accommodations and activities that support local conservation efforts and minimize negative impacts on wildlife. Garden for Wildlife : Create wildlife-friendly habitats in your own backyard by planting native species, providing food and shelter, and avoiding the use of pesticides. Report Illegal Activities : Report any illegal wildlife trade, poaching, or habitat destruction to the appropriate authorities. By taking these actions, individuals in the UK can contribute to the conservation and protection of endangered species both locally and globally.

As the holiday season approaches, we often think of the familiar sights and sounds of Christmas—snowflakes, twinkling lights, and of course, festive animals like reindeer and turkeys. But there’s so much more to these creatures than meets the eye. From the little-known habits of winter wildlife to surprising facts about animals like robins, camels, and reindeer, many of these animals have intriguing connections to Christmas that are often overlooked. In this blog, we’ll explore 10 fascinating facts about Christmas animals that you probably didn’t know—so grab a cup of hot chocolate and get ready to discover the winter wonders of the animal kingdom!   Rudolph’s red nose isn’t far from reality! Reindeer’s noses contain loads of tiny veins which circulate blood around their nose. This helps warm up the air they breathe, keeping them just that little bit warmer!   Robins aren’t always as friendly as they appear These staples of the winter season may appear cute and cuddly, but they can be fiercely territorial. Normally disputes are solved through body language and song, but they are very willing to physically fight over land – even going so far as to fight with dead birds and even inanimate objects.   Camel mums are in for the long haul For camels, giving birth is a long process! Females have a gestation period of 12-14 months and they nurse their young for 10-18 months, with camels reaching full size at 7 years old. When they’re ready, the expectant mothers will remove themselves from the herd and find a secluded spot with lots of vegetation to give birth. The baby camels can walk within half an hour of being born and it’s only after a few weeks that the mum and child will rejoin the herd.   Polar Bears are rarely successful when hunting Polar bears spend about half their waking life looking for food. Whether it be ambushing seal pup dens, waiting at breathing holes, or stalking popular seal spots, they know how to hunt – yet only around 2% of their hunts are successful. Usually, they settle for smaller mammals or scavenge from animal carcasses. A turkey’s poop determines whether it is male or female Believe it or not, male and female turkeys have different shaped droppings! A male’s poops are shaped like the letter ‘J’, while female poops tend to be more spiral-shaped. The size of the dropping can also help to determine the turkey's age. Goats are incredibly picky eaters Contrary to popular belief, goats are picky about their food. They usually prefer fresh, clean food. They will often refuse to eat hay that has been stood on or lying around for a few days. Their lips are also very sensitive, allowing them to search around for the best food.   Partridges don’t live in pear trees You’ve heard it here first, folks! Despite what the well-known Christmas song might lead you to believe, all 56 species of partridge are ground-dwellers! They have short, stocky legs that they use to forage and dig in the ground for food.   Penguins live in warmer climates too! It’s easy to imagine a penguin waddling across the icy landscape of Antarctica, yet species of penguin live all over the world, including places like South America and Australia. Every region has their own distinct species and there are 18 known types of penguins. Turtle Doves are summer birds Despite their association with Christmas songs and traditions, turtle doves spend their winters in West Africa, south of the Sahara Desert. They arrive back in the UK in spring and can be identified by their distinct purring sounds. Roosters can be festive! You may think a rooster is a strange choice for a list of Christmas animals but there are parts of the world that associate them with the festive season. The Spanish mass of ‘Misa de Gallo’ literally translates as ‘Rooster’s Mass’. It was most likely called this due to the fact that mass is celebrated on the dawn of Christmas day when a rooster would stereotypically crow. It’s also believed that a rooster crowed upon the birth of Jesus.

The rainforest is a vital part of our ecosystem. It is estimated that 40% - 70% of all the world’s living species live in the rainforest and millions of species are still waiting to be discovered. As well as providing a home to all these creatures, the rainforest also provides lots of important products to humans. Read on to discover just a few of these rainforest bounties. Rainforest Products   Chocolate Who could imagine their life without chocolate?! It comes from cacao beans from the cacao plant in the rainforest. The cacao beans are then roasted to bring out their sweetness and become cocoa beans, which are ground into a powder and used in many food products today!   The Aztecs and Mayans first created “xocoatl”, a hot chocolate drink often mixed with vanilla or chilli peppers. Cocoa beans were so highly valued that they were used as money until the 1800s. Ecuador was once the primary producer of cocoa, but today, about 80% is grown in the West African nations of Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. From then it was developed and experimented with, but did not reach its solid state so familiar today until 1847: Confectioner, Joseph Fry, used cacao powder, cacao butter, and sugar to create the first chocolate bar we recognise today. Dark chocolate was then joined by milk chocolate in 1875, when Daniel Peter added Henri Nestlé’s new powdered milk to the mix.   Ginger You may have had ginger beer, biscuits or cake before, but ginger comes from the rainforest. The ginger used in everyday cooking is from the root of the plant, which is grated to get ginger and is used in many dishes.   5,000 years ago, it was used as medicine in India and ancient China, believed to treat digestive issues and act as pain relief. Many years later, it became a popular spice in Rome! Today, ginger is easily accessible in supermarkets and shops, but in the 14th century, it cost about the same amount as a live sheep or piece of livestock!   Vanilla Vanilla comes from the pods of the vanilla orchid! It is the second most expensive spice in the world, behind saffron, due to how labour-intensive it is to produce.   Vanilla grows on either side of the equator and is native to the Americas. The vanilla you know best, traditionally, grew wild in Mexico to the northeast tip of South America and the Caribbean. The Totonaca people of the Gulf coast of Mexico were probably the first to domesticate vanilla. They continue to cultivate the fruit that they consider was given to them by the gods. Vanilla is a sacred and very important part of their culture and their lives.   Vanilla first left Mexico in the early 1500s on ships bound for Spain. It was originally believed only to have value as a perfume. It wasn’t until Cortés arrived in 1519 that they discovered that it could also be used as a flavour. Until the late 19th century, Mexico had the monopoly on growing vanilla, but now Madagascar grows the majority of the world’s vanilla crops.   Cinnamon Cinnamon comes originally from Sri Lanka. It is made from the inner bark of various Cinnamomum tree species, particularly the Cinnamomum verum (Ceylon or True Cinnamon). It also grows wild all over China and other parts of East Asia. We know that people were using cinnamon on their food at least as early as 2000 BC in Old Kingdom Egypt. Cooks valued cinnamon because it helps to preserve food and keep it from going bad.   Medicine Medicines that we take for granted every day come from rainforests. Many plants in the rainforest have medicinal properties. The Madagascan Periwinkle, for example, comes from the Rainforest in Madagascar and is used in some very important medicines. It helps people dealing with Leukaemia, Hodgkin’s disease, and has also been seen to have properties which help fight infections and cancer. The bark of the Cinchona tree helps to fight Malaria. These are just a few of the many plants that provide vital medicine to us. Poorer families living near rainforests rely on these plants for medicines. Interested in learning more? Get in touch to book one of our rainforest-focussed workshops.

Pet therapy uses animal interactions to improve physical, mental, social and emotional functioning in people of all ages. Animal therapy focuses on using these animal interactions to help people recover from or better cope with health problems. Animal activities have a more general-purpose, providing entertainment, comfort and support with learning. Animals offer a new and exciting dimension to therapy, education and life, and pet therapy can have a range of benefits from increasing involvement within the group to reducing anxiety ( Poleshuck, 1997 ). Care and Homes Residential Animal therapy can help to improve the sense of wellbeing and quality of life as it is a fun activity that can be done as part of a social group, stimulating conversation and interaction to promote a home-like unit atmosphere (Ferreira, 2019). Meaningful activities that encourage engagement are important for people, especially those with dementia; animal therapy has been proven to be particularly beneficial. Animal therapy can help to improve short-term memory, trigger long-term memory and enhance communication skills, even in those with dementia ( Yakimicki et al., 2019 ) . Regular animal therapy sessions have also been shown to delay the progression of symptoms in people living with dementia, including agitation, aggression and depression ( Kil et al., 2019 ; Yordy et al., 2019 ). Children and Young People The presence of an animal in the classroom can inspire an eagerness to learn about a specific topic and offer a range of extra-curricular benefits. For example, animal workshops help to develop interpersonal skills, encourage adherence to safety protocols and improve social conduct, especially as animals directly respond to their behaviour ( Poleshuck, 1997 ). The animal’s presence also facilitates discussion between children and adults, improving their self-confidence (Fredrickson, 1995). There are further benefits to animal workshops. Having an animal to interact with can help children who may be struggling with their schoolwork or home-life, including children who are on the autistic spectrum. The animal workshop increases the number of positive social interactions (Grigore and Bazgan, 2017). Pet Therapy References Ferreira, H.D., 2019. Animal-assisted therapy for Alzheimer patients using virtual reality. Fredrickson, M., 1995. The role of pets in therapeutic programmes: animal-assisted activities, in: The Waltham Book of Human-Animal Interaction: Benefits and Responsibilities of Pet Ownership. pp. 60–63. Grigore, A.A., Bazgan, M., 2017. Effects of Assisted Animal Therapy on the Development of Socio-emotional Abilities of Children with Autism. Bull. Transilv. Univ. Braşov Ser. VII Soc. Sci. Law 10, 231–238. Kil, T., Kim, H., Kim, M., 2019. The effectiveness of group combined intervention using animal-assisted therapy and integrated elderly play therapy. J. Anim. Sci. Technol. 61, 371–378. https://doi.org/10.5187/jast.2019.61.6.371 Poleshuck, L.R., 1997. Animal assisted therapy for children and adolescents with disabilities. Work 9, 285–293. https://doi.org/10.3233/WOR-1997-9311 Yakimicki, M.L., Edwards, N.E., Richards, E.A., Beck, A.M., 2019. Animal-Assisted Intervention and Dementia: A Systematic Review. Clin. Nurs. Res. https://doi.org/10.1177/1054773818756987 Yordy, B.M., Pope, W.S., Wang, C., 2019. Canine Outreach Promoting Engagement: The Effect of Meaningful Activities on Students’ Attitudes Toward Cognitively Impaired Older Adults. Nurse Educ. https://doi.org/10.1097/NNE.0000000000000549

A life cycle shows the different stages of development for a living thing! From the moment we’re born to the moment we die, we are in a life cycle. From infancy, every living thing grows, going through stages before reaching adulthood and eventually dying. 5 Weird and Wonderful Animal Life Cycles Surinam Toad Surinam toad lays eggs, and the male places them on the female’s back. She then proceeds to grow a skin up and over the eggs, incubating them until they hatch. At this stage, the little babies wiggle out of the mum's back. As much as other biologists say it’s a beautiful process, I will let you decide! Seahorse This one might not come as a surprise that it is on the list! Seahorses are the only species where the male gives birth. After a very elaborate courtship of dancing and competing for the female's attention, the female transfers her eggs to the male pouch for him to fertilise. In 2 - 6 weeks, 5 -1500 babies (species dependant) are ready to leave through a series of contractions. Monotremes Monotremes are egg-laying mammals - this group includes the duck-billed platypus and four species of echidna. Monotremes are now endemic to Australia and New Guinea - it's thought that they used to be more widespread. Puggles hatch from their eggs around ten days after laying. Another strange fact is that monotremes don't nurse like placental mammals, monotremes lactate via openings in their skin. Adactylidium Mites The lifecycle of adactylidium mites is bizarre and slightly disturbing. Pregnant mothers are eaten alive by the larvae as they make their way into the world. Each gives 'birth' to several females and a single male. Females are born pregnant - they mate with the male inside their mother. Once born males die almost straight away, while females give birth around four days later. Clownfish Did you know that clownfish can change gender? When clownfish are born, they are gender-neutral - all clownfish are hermaphrodites and will become male in the juvenile stage. The clownfish school is run by a dominant female, the largest of the group. The second-largest is the dominant male. If something happened to the dominant female, the dominant male would switch genders. These fish are monogamous - if two males become partners, the more dominant will become female to mate. What other animal life cycles would you like us to look at?

Over the last few months, we have spoken a lot on our social media about Operation Ocelot's work within Brazil's Atlantic Forest Reserve. You may wonder what is the Atlantic Forest Reserve, why is it important? Well, read on to find out more. What is the Atlantic Forest Reserve? Brazil's Atlantic Forest South-East Reserves is 470,000 ha of paradise! From mountains and waterfalls to coastal islands and estuary, endemic species can be found around every corner. However, all this is under threat. The Atlantic Forest Reserve is one of the most threatened areas of the Rainforest in Brazil and has lost more than 80% of its tree cover ( Calmon, Oliveira and Biderman, 2019 ) . Here, logging (and hunting) is causing a huge threat to wildlife and habitats ( World Land Trust, 2022 ). The Atlantic Forest Reserve is found along the Atlantic coast, encompassing São Paulo and Rio. The UNESCO World Heritage Site contains 25 protected areas to ensure the future of the wealth of biodiversity and history of the Atlantic forests ( UNESCO, ND ). Who calls it home? Did you know? 7% of the world's plants and 5% of vertebrate species reside in the Atlantic forest ( Hancock, 2021 ). The Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund reports the below level of biodiversity: 930 species of bird 260 species of mammals 300 species of reptile 450 species of amphibians 40% of vascular plant species are endemic What's more, 145 million humans live within the Brazilian cities encompassed by the forest (Calmon, Oliveira and Biderman, 2019) . Why is it important? So far, we have established what the Atlantic Forest is, the issues it is facing and who lives there, but why should we be working to save it? The simple answer would be to protect the habitats and lives of the species that live there; however, this is only part of the answer. Preventing deforestation ensures clean air - filtering the pollution from human activity in the cities - and keeps the surrounding water clean ( Hancock, 2021 ). Deforestation speeds up climate change - it contributes to 15-20% of all annual greenhouse gas emissions ( Herzog, 2009 ). Forests play an important role in the water cycle intercepting and regulating rainfall, helping to prevent flooding. The Atlantic Forest is home to two rare timbers - Brazil-wood (Caesalpinia echinata) and Brazilian rosewood (Dalbergia nigra) ( CEPF , 2022 ). Industry and environment can live in harmony - agroforestry helps produce food while storing carbon and encouraging the planting of native trees that improves biodiversity, soil and water while sustaining the timber industry for future generations ( Calmon, Oliveira and Biderman, 2019 ) . Without Rainforests like The Atlantic Forest, we wouldn't have fruit, nuts, spices, medicine from plants and animals, wood for furniture, oxygen, chewing gum, products that make varnish, soap and rubber. Operation Ocelot Operation Ocelot is an initiative run by the World Land Trust and their patron Steve Backshall to help raise funds for Rainforest habitats in Brazil! The project supports the expansion of the Atlantic Forest Reserve by encouraging children (and adults) to measure their garden, playgroups or local greenspace and fundraise to protect the same amount of area in the Atlantic Forest. What is ZooLab doing? ZooLab's team will be measuring their gardens to create their target and donating or fundraising for the same sized area in Brazil. On top of this, ZooLab is donating £5 per customer who books a Rainforest workshop between January - March to Operation Ocelot. So far we have raised £310 with 3 weeks to go.