It's Dawn Chorus Day! On the first Sunday of May, people gather outside in the early hours of the morning to listen to the symphony of birdsong as the sun rises. This time reminds us to appreciate the natural world around us and shows us the wealth of wildlife we have at our doorsteps, even in busy cities. We thought we'd share some of our favourite voices you might hear in the Dawn Chorus. First of all, what is the Dawn Chorus? The Dawn Chorus is the symphony of birdsong you hear in the early morning during spring and early summer. During this time, most species are thinking about breeding and protecting their territory, so males of each species wake up just before dawn to call for a mate. Singing that loud so early in the morning after a night of no food and chilly temperatures means only the strongest birds produce the loudest songs, which is a great advertisement for female birds that they will produce healthy chicks. Research also found that birds with bigger eyes and those higher up on trees tended to start first, most likely due to being able to see the light more clearly. Voices you might hear in the Dawn Chorus… Robins Robins are the most consistent bird in the dawn chorus, being heard all year round. They’re also one of the first to start each day, starting off when the air is still and the light levels are low. These birds are highly territorial, so loud frequent birdsong marks their territory and keeps away unwanted male robins. Blackbirds Similar to robins, blackbirds are some of the early risers for the dawn chorus. They have a varied range of calls and are also very good at mimicking other sounds, like other birds, animals, and even car alarms! They're best know, though, for their flute-like call which they use to call for a mate. Wood Pigeons You may have heard the call of the wood pigeon on early summer mornings and never realised it! They're known for their distinctive, 5 note call ("coo-coo-COO-coo, coo-coo"). Similar to other birds, they are heard early on tin the chorus and their more calm call provides a relaxing contrast to other, more frantic birdsong. Wrens Wrens are one of the louder voices in the dawn chorus. They call a full octave above the highest note on a piano, allowing them to be heard above all the other calls. This loud birdsong is due to a special organ in their throat, along with special membranes, which resonates the song's notes and allows more than one at the same time. Cuckoo Cuckoos are known as the harbinger's of spring. They are migratory birds so as soon as you can begin to hear them in the dawn chorus, usually late-April - early May, you know spring has arrived. They are beloved part of the chorus and, in Sweden, this time of day is known as gökotta (yuh-KOT-tuh) which is Swedish for "cuckoo dawn". So, there you go! Get out in the garden, or even cosy up in bed with the window open and listen to the coolest symphony one arth!

In this series, we answer some of the most common questions about our favourite animals. Today, we’ll be exploring fun facts on green sea turtles, including food chains, life spans, habitats, and why conservation is so important. What do green sea turtles eat? The diet of a green sea turtle changes significantly from hatchling to adulthood. When they are young, green turtles are omnivores who get nutrients from worms, sea insects, crustaceans, jellyfish, and marine vegetation. As adults, they are herbivores who dine on algae, seaweed, and seagrass. How much do green sea turtles weigh? Green sea turtles are the largest species of hard-shelled sea turtle, which can weigh 150–400 pounds. How long do green sea turtles live? They can live to around 70 years old. Where do green sea turtles live? The Atlantic Ocean, the Caribbean Sea, and parts of the Mediterranean, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Where do green turtles sleep? Underwater - they sleep on the sea floor, under coral reefs, or at the top of deep water. Why do green sea turtles migrate? There are different reasons why green sea turtles migrate. Females return to the same beach where they hatched to lay their eggs, and males migrate to these breeding grounds to mate. Environmental factors can cause migration changes, such as daylight and water temperatures. Baby green sea turtle moving towards the sea. When do green sea turtles lay eggs? Females nest every two to five years. It depends on when in the year, geographically, and on environmental factors such as tidal lunar changes and warmer temperatures. Who are the green turtle predators? Eggs and hatchlings are subject to land predators like dogs, raccoons, foxes, and feral pigs. They also fall victim to birds and hungry crabs. Despite their size, adult green sea turtles are prey to sharks, orcas, and large fish. Why are green sea turtles at risk? Human activity, such as bycatch, overharvesting, illegal trade, coastal development, disturbed nesting sites, and pollution, has all contributed to the decline of green sea turtles. How many green turtles are left? The exact number is unknown. However, in 2025, IUCN reclassified green sea turtles as a species of less concern due to a population rebound. Why are green turtles important? Green sea turtles are a keystone species that benefits the environment. They keep seabeds healthy by preventing overgrowth and contribute to the nutrient cycle. Thank you for reading. Learn more about sea animals in our ‘Oceans’ workshop.

Home to 115 islands, 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and around 60 endemic animal species, the Seychelles is a fascinating country to learn about. In this blog, we will travel through forests, plantations, mangroves, beaches, and oceans throughout the archipelago to learn about the fascinating Seychelles animals that reside here. 10 Fun Facts About Seychelles Animals By Hubris.nemesis - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7387767 Seychelles fruit bat has a wingspan the size of a surfboard. With a wingspan of up to 1.2 metres, the Seychelles fruit bat is found throughout central Granitic Islands. Home to 13 endemic land bird species The Seychelles is an IBA (Important Bird Area) with 280 species residing or visiting the area, including 13 endemic land birds. Bird’s endemic to this area all have Seychelles in their English names, including Seychelles magpie robin and Seychelles kestrel. The only surviving member of an ancient lineage The Seychelles tiger chameleon is the only species in the Archaius genus. It was resurrected in 1865. They are endemic to Mahé, Silhouette, and Praslin and have one of the smallest ranges of any known chameleon species, 45Km². By Hansueli Krapf (User:Simisa) - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1014927 Mahé is a dolphin watcher’s paradise The Indian oceanic striped dolphin is often spotted performing aerial manoeuvres and jumps from Mahé. The presence of Seychelles wolf snakes is an environmental indicator Their presence shows a balanced environment with ample prey of small reptiles. This species has a unique hunting strategy that combines speed, stealth, and ambush. The spider so big, it’s often mistaken for a tarantula Giant Crab Spider (Rhitymna valida) is a species of huntsman endemic to the Granitic and Coralline Islands. Its legs reach 12cm long! By Childzy at en.wikipedia - Own work ("I created this work entirely by myself.")Transferred from en.wikipedia using CommonsHelper., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14318814 Home to the world’s largest population of giant tortoise The Aldabra giant tortoise nearly went extinct in the 18th -19th centuries due to overconsumption by sailors. Through conservation efforts, the species is now stable (although still at risk), with 100,000 found in Aldabra Atoll. Seychelles scops owl was thought extinct for over 50 years In 1906, the Seychelles scops owl was recorded as extinct. It was then rediscovered by Phillippe Loustau-Lalannen in 1959. They can only be found in Morne Seychellois National Park, Mahé, with a declining population of 200-280 individuals. By dronepicr - Luftbild der Insel Curieuse Seychellen, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=65465525 Curieuse Island is home to a shark nursery Female sicklefin lemon sharks return to their birthplace to give birth. Pups are born in the mangrove system of Curieuse Island in September and December. The Seychelles giant millipede is vital to Cousine Island The Seychelles giant millipede grows to 15cm long and is one of the largest millipede species in the world. It’s endemic to 14 Seychelles islands, but Cousine Island, in particular, relies on the millipede’s nutrient cycling to maintain the island’s ecology. We hope you enjoyed our facts about Seychelles animals! What country would you like to see animal fun facts from next?

It's National Insect Week! Minibeasts have existed for around 550 million years and make up 97% of all living things on Earth! They come in so many different shapes and sizes, and some of these are stranger than others! So, we've decided to share some of our favourite weird and wonderful minibeasts from around the world! 5 Weird and Wonderful Minibeasts By Marshal Hedin - Flickr: Umbonia crassicornis (F Membracidae), CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13001577 Thorn bug As the name suggests these creatures often get mistaken for the thorns of plants, due to their point backs! This thorn helps protect them from predators like birds from eating them – nobody wants to eat something sharp! They live on fruit trees and other ornamental plants in the tropical areas of North and South America, and lay their eggs beneath the bark of these trees. By Glen Dillon at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8128359 Sand groper Not much is known about this little critter. It is believed that they’re a distant cousin of the grasshopper and are a common pest seen by farmers in Western Australia. Their bodies are strange, resembling a beetle or insect-like mole up top and a grub at the bottom. They are supposedly herbivorous but specimens have been found with animal matter in their digestive systems. By NCBioTeacher - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=186340303 Venezuelan poodle moth The discovery of this moth was considered a hoax. A German zoologist, Dr. Arthur Anker, photographed the moth for the first time in a national park in Venezuela, commenting that it was probably part of the Artace genus of moth. They’re likely called the poodle moth due to their fluffy white fur. By Frank Vassen - Flickr: Giraffe Weevil, Andasibe, Madagascar, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14465464 Giraffe necked weevil These minibeasts are pretty weird! They get their name from their long necks, which help them find mates, defend their territory, and gather resources. Males can have necks measuring 2 – 3 times longer than females. They are particularly interesting to beetle researchers, as they exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning that the males and females of the species look distinct from each other. By Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=61910516 Trilobite beetle Trilobite beetles look practically prehistoric, and they get their name from the females’ resemblance to the trilobites of the dinosaur age. The females are remarkable in many ways, missing out the pupal stage completely and becoming sexually mature as larvae. They are also much larger than the males, reaching up to 7cm long! So, there you go! Which was your favourite? Let us know in the comments and check out our minibeasts workshop!

10 Fun Facts About Animals from Papua New Guinea Monin tru! Today, we are heading North of Australia to a group of smaller islands with amazing biological diversity and animal life - Papua New Guinea. Known for sweet potatoes (kaukau), gold and copper reserves and fantastic coral reefs, Papua New Guinea is a culturally rich country with unique wildlife. It won’t take us long to find 10 fun facts here! 1. Tree Kangaroos Papua New Guinea is home to several species of tree kangaroos, such as the Matschie's tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei). These unique marsupials are adapted to life in trees, with strong forelimbs for climbing and long tails for balance. They are primarily found in the country's mountainous regions, where they feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers. 2. Birds of Paradise Papua New Guinea boasts an astonishing diversity of birds of paradise, with over 40 species in the country. These birds are renowned for their elaborate plumage, vibrant colours, and intricate courtship displays. Each species has its unique behaviours and appearances, making them a source of fascination for birdwatchers and researchers alike. 3. Cassowaries The cassowary, a large flightless bird with striking features, inhabits the southern region of Papua New Guinea. Known for its helmet-like casque, bright blue skin, and powerful legs, the cassowary plays a crucial role in seed dispersal in the rainforest. Despite their somewhat intimidating appearance, cassowaries are generally shy and elusive animals. 4. Paradise Riflebird Endemic to Papua New Guinea, the Paradise Riflebird (Ptiloris paradiseus) is a bird of paradise known for its dazzling plumage and elaborate courtship displays. Males have iridescent blue and black feathers, which they use to attract females during mating season. These birds inhabit the dense rainforests of the country's highlands. 5. Papuan Frogmouth The Papuan Frogmouth (Podargus papuensis) is a nocturnal bird species found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. With its cryptic plumage and wide, frog-like mouth, it is well-adapted to blending into its surroundings and capturing prey at night. Despite their name, frogmouths are not closely related to frogs but belong to the nightjar family. 6. Marsupial Diversity Papua New Guinea has many marsupial species, including the cuscus and the long-beaked echidna. Marsupials are a unique group of mammals characterized by a pouch in which they carry and nurse their young. These animals are found across the country's varied habitats, from lowland rainforests to montane forests. 7. Frigate birds Coastal areas of Papua New Guinea are frequented by frigate birds, large seabirds known for their impressive aerial manoeuvres and distinctive red-throat pouches displayed during courtship. These birds are skilled flyers and are often seen soaring effortlessly above the ocean, using their long wings to catch the wind currents. 8. Birdwing Butterflies Papua New Guinea is home to the Queen Alexandra's birdwing (Ornithoptera alexandrae), the largest butterfly species in the world. These magnificent insects are known for their striking colouration, with males displaying vibrant blue and green wings. Birdwing butterflies play essential roles in pollination and are highly sought after by collectors. 9. Papuan Taipan The Papuan taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus), also known as the coastal taipan, is one of the world's deadliest snakes. Found in Papua New Guinea's forests and grasslands, this highly venomous reptile preys on small mammals and birds. Despite its fearsome reputation, encounters with humans are rare due to its elusive nature. 10. Dugongs Along the coastal waters of Papua New Guinea, dugongs (Dugong dugon) can be found grazing on seagrass beds. These gentle marine mammals, or sea cows, are closely related to manatees and herbivores. Dugongs are considered vulnerable due to habitat loss, pollution, and hunting pressures, highlighting the need for conservation efforts to protect their populations. We hope you enjoyed learning about animals from Papa New Guinea, what country should be next?

Now that the warmer weather has returned, it’s the perfect time to get out and about and see what wildlife lives in your local area! In this blog, we’ll teach you how to conduct a biodiversity survey and why they are important. Citizen Science: How To Conduct A Biodiversity Survey What is a biodiversity survey and why is it important? Biodiversity surveys allow local and wider communities to keep track of wildlife populations and assess what may be causing spikes or decreases in wildlife numbers. This can be as simple as spending an hour in your garden, care home garden, school outdoor space, or elsewhere noting what species you see and how many of them. Types of Biodiversity Survey Big Garden/School Birdwatch This one is very low effort but high reward! During a specific weekend in January, the RSPB asks people all over the UK to spend an hour counting the birds that fly into their outdoor spaces. These are then inputted onto the RSPB website and collated to better understand the populations of birds in the UK. If you don’t have an outdoor space, you can still take part! Watch the birds outside your window or head to your local park or beach! Big Pond Dip This one is great to do during the summer months. It’s run by the Freshwater Habitats Trust and can help you monitor the health of your pond and makes suggestions on how you can make it an even better habitat for local wildlife. You’ll need a white tray, a sieve, a pen, the form they provide. Simply scoop some pond water with your sieve and place the contents onto the white tray. Count what species you see and fill out the form. The score will then tell you how healthy your pond is. Living with Mammals Survey The People’s Trust for Endangered Species manages this survey, which can be done year-round. It’s also another low effort one as you don’t need any equipment to take part! Simply record all the mammals that you see (as well as their tracks and signs) in a green space within 200m of a building. You can then input these findings on their website and learn more tips on how to support wildlife in urban areas. By Jaisuvyas - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=94058546 Quadrat Count You might be familiar with this one from school! Make a 50cm x 50 cm quadrat out of wood, bamboo sticks, or string and take it out to a green space. Pop the quadrat down and take a note of all the different insects, bees, butterflies, and plants you see. Make sure to take note of the time of day and weather conditions. You can then repeat this over the year to see how plant and animal life changes in your area. So, there you go! Become a citizen-scientists and help conservationists understand how your local wildlife is thriving! You can also learn more about habitats and the animals that call them home in our dedicated workshop!

The sun has returned and with it some particularly scorching weather! It's more important than ever during these heatwaves to make sure our furry, scaly, and slimy friends are comfortable and happy, so read on for some tips on how to keep your animals cool in the summer! Keeping Animals Cool in Summer Mammals Generally, it's a good idea to keep mammals out of direct sunlight and provide plenty of places to hide in the shade and ways to cool down. You can also help them cool by: Ensure they have bowls of ice water to drink throughout the day If your animals require exercise or outdoor access, limit this to early morning and late evening, which are the coolest parts of the day. Gerbils may be a little more tolerant to heat (27°C max) but should always have a cool space to retreat to and access to water. Incorporate ice or cold water into their enrichment time. This could be... Offer a bottle of ice wrapped in a sock to sit near (but do not force them to do so) Offer frozen treats or 'pea fishing' Wipe them down with a towel soaked in cool water Symptoms of heatstroke in mammals Heavy panting Distressed or noisy breathing Restlessness or agitation Pacing Seeking shade or water Drooling Red gums or tongue Increased heart rate Vomiting or diarrhoea. Reptiles You may think that because reptiles live in warmer climates, they cannot overheat but they certainly can. Keep an eye on the temperature of their enclosure and monitor thie behaviour for signs of overheating. Also consider... If the temperature at the cooler end of your tank is higher than 27°C (for corn snakes, royal pythons, leopard geckos, etc.), put ice in a tea towel in the cool end of the enclosure to lower the temperatures. Thoroughly spray animals down. Substrate should never be dry, especially in hot weather. If you think you're overdoing it, do it more. Offer them a drink of water. You can give them a light misting with tepid (never cold) water, or cover their body with moist paper towels to slowly lower their body temperature. You can use a syringe and slowly dribble tepid water near the mouth to encourage a little drink, but do not put the syringe in the mouth, as too much water can get into the lungs and risk aspiration in the lungs. Symptoms of heatstroke in reptiles & amphibians Heavy panting/rapid breathing Shakiness/staggering Disorientation Refusing food Wobbly/unbalanced Loss of consciousness. Amphibians & Invertebrates Amphibians and Invertebrates are particularly susceptible to the heat. Amphibians in particular usually have more delicate skin that needs to be kept moist. Keep them cool by... Not using heat mats Spray animals frequently, especially frogs and snails. Amphibians: overheated frogs are at risk of dehydration and desiccation. Offer the frog a cool (NOT cold) bowl of water to sit in. Invertebrates: lightly spray the animal with cool (NOT cold) water and ensure the substrate is hydrated to provide cool areas. Symptoms of heatstroke in reptiles & amphibians Heavy panting/rapid breathing Shakiness/staggering Disorientation Refusing food Inability to perch (frogs) Wobbly/unbalanced Loss of consciousness. General advice No heat sources without thermostats. Keep any enclosures out of direct sunlight Ensure all animals have access to clean, fresh water. Change the water bowls daily. If you're using a soil-based substrate, pour the old water into the soil and refill. If you can leave windows open, do so, but ensure you use curtains and blinds to prevent direct glare on animal enclosures. If any animals show signs of heatstroke, please contact a vet. On the road with animals Ideally, it's best practice to leave your animals cool and calm at home to lower the chances of becoming distressed. But, if you have to travel with them, you should... Use air conditioning in your car. On particularly hot days, travel with ice packs, insulating them with towels, and placing them near your animals. Travel with full spray bottles and carry full bottles of water to refill them with to mist down reptiles and amphibians. NEVER leave animals in the car unattended and/or for long periods of time So there you go! With more sunny days on the horizon, it's more important than ever to keep our lovely pets cool. Want to learn more? Check out our dedicated workshop!

This month's country is known for ancient landscapes, pierogi and the Witcher series. Cześć! We’re visiting Poland. We’ll hike to the peak of Western Carpathian, explore abandoned buildings and participate in conservation projects to find 10 fun facts about Polish animals. 10 Fun Facts about Polish Animals By Krzysztof Górecki, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17659224 Tatra marmots are living fossils. This endangered species originated during the Quaternary period and lives in the highest parts of the Western Carpathians. 9 out of 10 European woodpecker species can be found in The Białowieża Forest. The Great Spotted Woodpecker is the most commonly spotted and heard; you can hear it from 100 metres away. Bukovec Mountains villages of snakes. After Ukrainians were forced from their homes in Operation Vistula, aesculapian snakes moved in and occupied the houses. As humans moved back to the area, they embraced their wriggly friends, who helped remove pests. By Franco Andreone - see authorization - http://calphotos.berkeley.edu, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5179919 What’s that smell?! The common spadefoot toad emits a garlic scent when threatened. Common spadefoot are a burrowing species found in sandy soil and wetlands across Poland. Worn by the elite of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The Polish cochineal is a scale insect. Its larvae were harvested to produce the red dye, St John’s Blood. White storks cause electrical faults in Poland. They like to nest on top of pylons, which disrupts the electricity supply. Find out what is being done to prevent this. By Charles J. Sharp - Own work, from Sharp Photography, sharpphotography.co.uk, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=131661273 European bison are starting to make a comeback. The Białowieża Forest is renowned for the successful reintroduction of the European bison. Before World War One, the Białowieża Forest was the sole home to lowland bison; by 1919, the last bison was killed. Thanks to zoo conservation efforts, it’s now home to the largest population (25% of the world’s). Praying mantises are spreading throughout Poland. Global warming is expanding the range of praying mantis moving them into Northern parts of the country. By Christian Ursilva from København, Danmark - Emys orbicularis, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=180120406 Restoring Poland’s centenarians. The European pond turtle is Poland’s only turtle species. They are considered extinct in the wild in Lodz Voivodeship, where scientists and conservationists are working to reintroduce the species. Employee of the Month: The Clams. ​Clams are hired in Polish water treatment plants to test water quality. Clams are filter feeders, and if the water isn’t clean, they close, providing real-time insight to engineers. After 3 months, the clams are retired and put back in their natural habitat. How cool! Pretty cool right? If you're interested in different habitats, check out or dedicated workshop here!

It’s the 100th birthday of David Attenborough! A pioneer of nature documentaries and a lover of the environment, his long and illustrious career has shaped the lives of so many. So, we thought we’d celebrate this amazing milestone with some lesser-known facts about his life! 5 Facts You Didn't Know David Attenborough Before he was a nature documentarian, he was in the Navy! While David was studying geology and zoology at Cambridge university in 1947, he was called up for National Service. He served 2 years in the Royal Navy, stationed in North Wales and The Firth of Forth near Edinburgh. By Phil Nash from Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 4.0 & GFDLViews, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=95689659 He has a ship named after him! The RRS Sir David Attenborough was launched in 2018 and named in honour of the brilliant work that David does for the environment. The ship is a research vessel designed for polar research and to support research teams on polar shores. By Edgar Lehr - Lehr, Edgar; von May, Rudolf (7 de março de 2017). «A new species of terrestrial-breeding frog (Amphibia, Craugastoridae, Pristimantis) from high elevations of the Pui Pui Protected Forest in central Peru». ZooKeys. 660: 17-42. doi:10.3897/zookeys.660.11394, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=56905073 At least 20 species have been named after him, including a dinosaur! It seems only right that a champion of environmental issues would have some species named in his honour. This includes the world’s largest-pitchered carnivorous plant (Nepenthes attenboroughii), a dragonfly called Attenborough’s pintail (Acisoma attenboroughi), and a Peruvian frog (Pristimantis attenboroughi). A dinosaur fossil from the Mesozoic period was also recategorised and renamed Attenborosaurus conybeari. Attenborough (right) interviewing Vivian Fuchs and Edmund Hillary David was rejected for his first job working for the BBC After finishing his National Service in the Navy, David took up a job editing children’s science books and later applied for a job with the BBC as a radio producer. He was rejected, but his CV was later seen by the head of factual broadcasting for the BBC’s new television service. He joined the BBC on a 3 month training course, before joining full time in 1952. At first, he was discouraged from being on air as the head of factual broadcasting thought his teeth were too big, so he worked as a producer instead. He also didn’t even own a TV at the time he was hired and had only ever seen one television show. Baird in 1926 with his televisor equipment and dummies "James" and "Stooky Bill" He was born the same year that John Logie Baird demonstrated the first television system David Attenborough was born on 8th May 1926, the same year that John Logie Baird demonstrated the first television system to members of the Royal Institution. His system was the first to display live images in tonal colours. David was also born the year that A.A. Milne published his children’s book Winnie the Pooh, as well as the same year that Queen Elizabeth II and Marilyn Monroe were born. BONUS FACT: David hates emails and prefers to talk via post or fax machine. So, there you go! What was your favourite David Attenborough fact? Let us know in the comments and get in touch to book an ethical animal encounter!

Happy St George’s Day! To celebrate, we have brought our 10 Fun Facts series home to England. We have lots of wonderful English animals. Join us as we explore - from farms, homes and gardens, to the lakes of the Lake District, Exmoor Forests and Norfolk pond. 10 Fun Facts about English Animals By Kaldari - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19168177 Zebra spiders jump 14x their own body length.  At 5-9mm long, these arachnids are tiny! This species hunts during the day and is often spotted in gardens and homes. The red deer is England’s largest mammal. From one of the smallest English creatures to the largest. Red deer stags can weigh up to 190kg.  Exmoor has the largest wild red deer population in England. England’s rarest amphibian lives in Norfolk’s Thompson Common. The pool frog was extinct in England in the 1990s. In 2021, Norfolk Wildlife Trust,  Woodland Trust and the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARC) reintroduced the species to Thompson Common in pingo pools.  By Steven Ward - https://www.flickr.com/photos/steventimothyphotography/8555506918/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31517017 Barn owls are sometimes known as ‘demon owls’. Their eerie shriek can be heard throughout the English countryside. In folklore, a barn owl shrieking around a sick person's home signals death.  Water stick insects have their own snorkel. This species has a cool adaptation that allows the stick insect to breathe through their tail like a siphon. Find out more about this fascinating creature. The Lake District holds England’s only Arctic Char. This incredibly rare species is a keystone species for the lakes. They have adapted to cold, clean water, which makes them sensitive to climate change and pollution . CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22209 When is a slow worm not a slow worm? When it’s a snake!  How can you tell them apart? Ask yourself these questions: Does it blink? Does it have a notched tongue? Is it neckless? If you answer yes to all of these, it’s a slow worm.  The robin is England’s favourite bird. Robins have adapted to human presence and are often spotted waiting with gardeners as they turn up the soil. In woodlands, robins are known to follow large mammals as they disturb the ground, bringing worms and other bugs to the surface. Garden robins mimic this behaviour with humans.  The common rough woodlouse has 14 legs. Despite common misconceptions, woodlice are not insects but crustaceans.  By Heinrich Harder (1858-1935) - The Wonderful Paleo Art of Heinrich Harder, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=726942 Cave lions went extinct in England 12000 years ago. Lions disappeared from England during the last ice age. So, why are they the national animal? Linked to King Richard 1st and the Norman Kings, the lion embodies courage and strength and has been featured on royal coats of arms and emblems throughout the centuries.  Interested in learning more about English animals?  Ask our team about a Native Species workshop.

Where to see ZooLab in May Below is a selection of locations that we are visiting in May. Please check with each venue for times and ticket information. 2nd May - Zetland Park, Falkirk 2nd May - Natural History Museum, London - DinoSnores for Kids VIP 4th May - Kinneil Museum, Falkirk 9th May - Perton Library, Wolverhampton - Animal Explorer 10th May - Ty Mawr, Conway - Animal Explorer 15th May - Natural History Museum, London - DinoSnores for Grown Ups 23rd May - Fife Show, Fife - Open sessions 23rd - 31st May - Eden Project, Cornwall 25th - 27th May - RHS Wisley, Surrey 25th May - Redcar Racecourse, North Yorkshire - Open sessions 26th - 29th May - Alnwick Castle, Northumberland 26th May - Beeston Castle, Cheshire - Morpho the Munching Millipede 26th May - Walmer Castle, Kent - Morpho the Munching Millipede 27th May - Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey - Springtime 28th May - Bolsover Castle, Chesterfield - Morpho the Munching Millipede 29th May - Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland - Morpho the Munching Millipede 31st May - Natural History Museum, London - DinoSnores for Kids Come back in a few weeks' time to see where you can see ZooLab in June, or contact us if you would like ZooLab to visit your setting.

There is a reason why animals play a significant role in the Science curriculum. Learning about other species helps us gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world we live in. It teaches about our similarities and differences - our body structures may differ from many, but our basic survival needs remain. They help us learn about where we have come from and how, as a species, we have adapted and evolved to survive. At ZooLab, we see firsthand the benefits of studying and experiencing animals for children's classroom development. Here are a few ways our workshops can tie in with your learning objectives. Our Top Workshops For Studying Animals Animal Parts - Classification Looking at living things and common structures? This hands-on, animal-handling workshop experience brings pupils face-to-face with classification. It is part of an experiential, interactive learning experience that introduces ZooLab animals, including vertebrates and invertebrates. Pupils explore different classes of animals so they can uncover their differences and similarities themselves. Senses - Senses & Textures Humans have five senses. Do ZooLab's animals have the same senses? How do their senses help keep them safe? Pupils make hands-on discoveries of textures and senses in an animal handling experience that is suitable for everyone from new intake to SEN classes. Animal Survival - Caring for Living Things 'Caring for Living Things' explores the requirements of a range of animals to discover that often creatures need the same core things to survive: food, water, oxygen and protection/shelter. Using active learning techniques and building on prior knowledge this value driven show in teaches respect for all living things. Habitats - Habitats Adaptable for all year groups, ZooLab's Habitat workshop explores habitats throughout the globe to answer: What is a habitat? What types are there? Why do they matter? This hands-on workshop looks at three great survivors; rats, cockroaches and humans and considers how and why they have survived. Wriggle and Crawl - Minibeasts Like ‘Wriggle and Crawl’, ZooLab’s ‘Minibeasts’ introduces Living Things and their habitats. During our workshop , children get a fun introduction to invertebrates and classification - these little creatures are quite a big deal. They get to question, investigate and learn about scientific discovery. This workshop answers all the big questions such as - What do Minibeasts have inside them? Are there any similarities between our bodies and theirs? Predators & Prey - Predators, Prey, & Food Chains Linking to 'Predators and Prey', our workshop looks at feeding connections in an ecological community. Join us as we examine producers, herbivores, carnivores and omnivores. This workshop looks at feeding connections (what-eats-what) in an ecological community. We learn how to classify non-living and living things. Pupils discover where energy comes from and how the consumer resource system can cause the disruption of a food web. See anything you like? Get in touch with us to book your session!