Meet the gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus), a mammal that washes itself with sand! Discover gerbil facts for kids covering diet, habitat & lifespan with ZooLab's interactive workshops. Gerbil Meriones unguiculatus Classification: Mammal It means ‘small-clawed warrior' There are over 100 species of gerbil, though the Mongolian gerbil is the most common pet. Gerbils wash using sand. They roll around in the sand, which cleans off any debris and leaves them with a shinier coat. Gerbils are omnivorous. They eat a huge variety of seeds, grasses, vegetables and fruits, as well as insects and worms. Lifespan: 3 - 4 years + Distribution: China, Mongolia and Russia Habitat: Deserts and arid shrubland Size: 12cm in length, with a tail of 12cm. They weigh between 60-130grams Food: Gerbils feed on grains, seeds, nuts, roots, fruits, vegetables and insects Social behaviour: Gerbils live in social groups in the wild, ranging from two to 15 animals of all ages and sexes. Groups are founded by a breeding pair and extended by their offspring and other relatives. In captivity do best in pairs of the same sex, and should never be kept alone Lifestyle: Unlike rats, mice and hamsters they are diurnal (awake during the day instead of the night). Home life: They live in burrows under the ground in complex tunnels they build themselves. These burrows can go as deep as 1.7 metres and stretch across 6-8 metres. Behaviours: They can thump their big back legs to warn others of danger! Gerbils are one of only 3 mammals that we know of with the ability to drop their tail if threatened by a predator

Looking for animal experiences in Scotland? Meet ZooLab Ranger Ash and her wee critters at schools, nurseries and care homes throughout Central Scotland. Ash Hare ZooLab Ranger Licence Number: 542112 Ash joined ZooLab in 2025. She works in Glasgow and the surrounding areas. She spent 17 years as a primary teacher, then trained as a dog trainer. She also does more work with reactive foreign rescue dogs. On her weekends she works as a Wildlife Animal Rescue Officer for the Scottish SPCA so she literally spends all her days surrounded by animals! “Being able to combine the love I have for teaching with my animal obsession is an absolute dream job for me!” Was it fate? ZooLab had previously visited a school where Ash was teaching. She then decided to apply! She's a Wizard! Ash was once known as "The Harry Potter Teacher". Can you guess how she decides her animals names? Dream Job Ash has owned many over furry pets the years. This is her first time owning something with scales. “My favourite animal is my tree frog, Draco. He's such a cheeky wee character and loves to cause mischief by jumping onto people during shows. He croaks loudly at nighttime and he's always hungry too!” BOOK NOW

Meet Bunji, ZooLab's tree frog who loves water & swimming! He's fun, friendly and confident. Discover Bunji in ZooLab's interactive animal story workshops for nurseries. I’m Bunji. 'Bunji' is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘mate’. I’m fun, friendly and confident. White’s tree frogs like to socialise and are often found in groups! I love water and swimming. They must be kept damp as they absorb water through their skin. I’m sociable and independent. The White’s Tree Frog is from Australia. They are not aggressive and show little in the way of group structure. In the wild White’s Tree Frogs live alone. I love science and maths. Scientists studying frog’s skin have discovered it has powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Meet the corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus), a reptile native to North America. Discover corn snake facts for kids, covering its diet, behaviour, lifespan and more with ZooLab's interactive animal workshops. Corn snake Pantherophis guttatus Classification: Reptile Strong and flexible Snakes have up to 15 thousand muscles and up to 500 bones. Humans only have 207 bones. Snakes smell using their tongue! They have an organ in their mouth called a 'Jacobson’s organ', which smells via the snake's tongue. They display mimicry. They can pretend to be venomous rattlesnakes by shaking their tail to intimidate predators. Lifespan: 6 - 8 years Threats: Habitat destruction and accidental killing Distribution: North America Habitat: Forests, rocky grassland and abandoned buildings Appearance: They have a slender body that can reach 24 to 72 inches in length and are usually orange or dark yellow in colour Diet & Feeding: Corn snakes primarily eat rodents. They are constrictor snakes, meaning that they catch their prey and squeeze it Social Behaviour: They are calm, docile and they enjoy being handled Males and females: Differences between male and females are often extremely subtle Number of young: 12 - 24 eggs The colour depends on their habitat as it provides camouflage. The belly of a corn snake looks like a kernel of Indian corn, hence the name

Looking for animal handling experience in Nottingham? Meet ZooLab Ranger David and discover hands-on animal workshops for schools, care homes and events across the city. David Cripps-Rainford ZooLab Ranger License Number: AWL0109 David joined ZooLab in 2025. He works in Nottingham and the surrounding areas. He will also be travelling across the country delivering our sessions. David previously worked for ZooLab, and we’re so glad to have him back on the field delivering our ethical animal encounters. His passion for animals and educating people has never faded, the impact is enriching for David. "Animals have always been a huge hobby and passion of mine!" On the beat. David briefly worked as a police officer, but the world of animals was where his true passions were. He can do it all! David was originally a singer, actor and dancer. It's safe to say he's a man of many talents! David on tour. It keeps getting better! David has performed on stages worldwide. How cool is that? "I couldn't choose what my favourite part of the job is. Whether it's inspiring young people to care about wildlife or bringing joy to care home residents, I love sharing my passion for animals with others!" BOOK NOW

Meet the Madagascar hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa), an insect that hiss to communicate. Discover cockroach facts for kids such as diet, adaptations, & habitats with ZooLab. Madagascar hissing cockroach Gromphadorhina portentosa Classification: Insect Back off! These cockroaches frighten off predators by making a unique and unusual hissing sound. They're really old! Cockroaches are older than the dinosaurs. They originated more than 280 million years ago! The world's greatest survivors. They can survive running through fire, being frozen in ice and even explosions. Lifespan: 6 months - 1 year Threats: Arachnids, ants, tenrecs, and some ground-feeding birds are likely predators Distribution: Madagascar off the African mainland Habitat: Forest floor Appearance: Madagascar hissing cockroaches reach 5 - 7cm at maturity. These cockroaches are shiny brown and oval-shaped, with no wings and a single pair of antennae Diet & Feeding: Leaf litter, logs, and other detritus Social Behaviour: They are nocturnal and semi-communal. Males are territorial and have a hierarchy, but they are not social like ants Males and females: Males sport large horns, which give them an unusual and impressive appearance Number of young: Females lay and carry up to 60 eggs inside their bodies The hiss happens when they exhale air through their breathing holes

Meet Nina, ZooLab's stick insect who loves to dance! She likes to blend in. Discover Lula and Lala in ZooLab's interactive animal story workshops for nurseries. I’m Nina! The name Nina means ‘little girl’. Only 1/1000 stick insects are male. I like to blend in. Indian stick insects look almost identical to a stick in shape and colour. But I love to dance! They will sway their bodies like leaves or twigs in the breeze. Girl Power! Female stick insects are able to lay fertile eggs without mating. I love playing and adventure. Stick Insects have a combination of suckers and claws on their feet, allowing them to walk up vertical surfaces and even upside down. I like to keep to myself. Indian Stick insects have the ability to slightly change their colour; at night time they can become slightly darker than by day, helping them to blend in even better with their surroundings.

Find out everything you need to know about ZooLab. We're the UK's #1 for ethical animal encounters.​ Our ZooLab presenters, each with their own 'animal team' work closely with early years, schools, businesses and in the care sector to achieve learning and organisational outcomes that engage people of all ages in an informative way through in person Find out more! All our ZooLab Rangers are totally WILD! What's their favourite animal? Hi, we're ZooLab! We amaze, educate and inspire through our ethical and engaging animal encounters. Established in 1997, ZooLab is a family-run business which aims to educate audiences about animals and the natural world. We’re committed to making a real difference - helping to change attitudes and educate people on how to protect the environment from climate change. To educate, inspire & influence today for a more informed & sustainable tomorrow. Our Vision CORE VALUES Animal welfare Quality Wellbeing Sustainability Learning Fun To inspire people of all ages through ethical animal encounters. Our MISSION Meet the gang! Our ZooLab characters are excited to meet you! Meet the animals Get in the know before getting up-close and hands-on. We have a national network of ZooLab Rangers, each with their own ‘animal team’ who work with schools, nurseries, care homes and businesses across the UK. ZooLab makes learning FUN. That’s why we’re the UK's leading provider of curriculum-centred animal visits. We offer both face-to-face and online animal experiences, meaning that we have something to suit every situation or budget no matter where you are in the world. Meet the Rangers We've got the best bunch! Which Ranger will visit you? Check out our workshops Our educational workshops hit curriculum outcomes. We've worked with... We love our animals and their welfare is paramount. Wellbeing & Welfare We meet curricular outcomes. This ensures high customer satisfaction and workshops which fulfil curricular outcomes. All of our workshops come with lesson plans and resources. QUALITY We are committed to delivering excellent customer service during your ZooLab journey. CUSTOMER CARE We bring animals to you . Fun is at the heart of everything we do, whether it is in the classroom, a care home, summer camp or a corporate event. FUN & ACCESSABLE We have packages to suit all budgets - from online workshops to in-person handling workshops. VALUED & TRUSTED Net Zero goals. We are dedicated to becoming more sustainable and proactively reduce our companies carbon footprint toward NET ZERO as fast as possible. Sustainability ZooLab gives back ZooLab's ambitions go beyond the UK. We want to support well organised conservation efforts wherever we can, like the project by Nkombi Volunteer Programme which highlights the issue of poaching in South Africa. Looking for something different? Check out our workshops Book now!

Looking for animal experiences in Greater London? Meet ZooLab Ranger Thomas, who has a background in conservation, animal welfare and working with adults with learning disabilities. Book now! Thomas Ingram ZooLab Ranger License Number: - Thomas joined ZooLab in 2026. He works in London and the surrounding areas. Thomas loves presenting; he studied it alongside filmmaking at university. His background involves working with adults with severe learning disabilities and volunteering in nature conservation, and working in dog sanctuaries in Greece. "My favourite thing about ZooLab is meeting so many different kinds of people. I enjoy sharing all the amazing ways animals survive and adapt." Golden Nugget Thomas has explored gold mines while making documentaries on ethical gold extraction in Colombia's Southern Jungles. Meeting Celebs Thomas once gave Bjork directions. Good Old Days He once sold t-shirts for the Libertines on tour for a week. "My favourite ZooLab animal is the frogs. They are very dynamic creatures and it's fascinating to observe their relationship." BOOK NOW

Looking for animal experiences in Bristol? Meet ZooLab Ranger Benedict and his animal team. Discover hands-on education workshops and celebrate all things nature, sustainability and STEM. Benedict Rickards ZooLab Ranger License Number: AWLA/ 126059 Benedict joined ZooLab in 2026. He works in Bristol and the surrounding areas. Benedict is ZooLab's very own David Attenborough. Before ZooLab, he worked on natural history TV projects, including ‘Expedition with Steve Backshall’. This gave him the opportunity to film wildlife around the world, including Australia and Brazil. "For as long as I can remember, animals have been a huge passion of mine!" In the know. Benedict studied zoology at uni and loves sharing his animal knowledge with audiences. Rainforest expert. Benedict’s expeditions have included a world-first ascent of a rainforest mountain in Peru! Boss of the Toss! In this free time Benedict plays ultimate frisbee, captaining a team called The Geckos! “From the phone call, to all the emails right up until the day, it was great customer service. Benedict was amazing with all the age groups and was lovely to see his enthusiasm and how much knowledge he had!” - Snapdragons of Grosvenor BOOK NOW

Turn your venue into a wild adventure! ZooLab Adventure Trails invite visitors to explore your site through a fun, self-guided journey packed with exotic animal characters, puzzles and play. ZooLab Adventure Trails - perfect for every season. Let your guests go WILD as they discover our ZooLab characters. Find out more! Follow the Trail. Find the Adventure. Turn your venue into a wild adventure! ZooLab Adventure Trails invite visitors to explore your site through a fun, self-guided journey packed with exotic animal characters, puzzles and play. Guests follow a branded trail map, uncovering fascinating facts, hidden stories and hands-on activities at every stop. Each trail is tailored to your location, making the most of your grounds while encouraging curiosity, learning and repeat visits. Maps and resource packs featuring your logo bring the experience to life. Our Trails Packages are easy to set up, endlessly engaging and let your visitors explore, discover and go wild in your venue or grounds! CORE TRAIL Your next adventure is just a step away with our ALL-INCLUSIVE Adventure Trails Package EXPANDED PACKAGE Step into our ALL-INCLUSIVE Adventure Trails Package. Where will the Trail take you? BESPOKE TRAILS A custom Trail, unique to your venue and grounds. Including bespoke theme & illustrations! Core TrAIl ZooLab provides digital artwork for you to print in-house, making it easy to get set up on your venue. Simply choose your theme from the options below! The Core Trail Package includes: 7 x A3 Signs 7 x A4 Trail Resources A4 Map & A4 Certificate 2 x Feedback and amendments Exclusive ZooLab live show discounts PICK YOUR TRAIL THEME! £ 999 CORE CHOOSE FROM 10 DIFFERENT TRAIL THEMES 7 x Trail Stops 7 x Resource Sheets Map & Certificate CHOOSE YOUR THEME! BOOK NOW! EXPANDED TrAIl ZooLab provides digital artwork for you to print in-house, making it easy to get set up on your venue. Simply choose your theme from the options below! The Core Trail Package includes: 11 x A3 Signs 11 x A4 Trail Resources A4 Map & A4 Certificate 2 x Feedback and amendments Exclusive ZooLab live show discounts PICK YOUR TRAIL THEME! £ 1,250 EXPANDED CHOOSE FROM 10 DIFFERENT TRAIL THEMES 11 x Trail Stops 11 x Resource Sheets Map & Certificate CHOOSE YOUR THEME! BOOK NOW! PICK YOUR THEME. 10 trails to choose from! THEME BESPOKE TRAIL Our custom designed Trail is unique to your venue and grounds. The theme, illustrations & logo are bespoke to you! Trail-ored to perfection! 11 x A3 Signs Custom illustrations Bespoke A4 Map 11 x A4 Trail Resources A4 custom Certificate 4 x Feedback and amendments. Exclusive ZooLab Workshop prices! Includes custom theme, illustrations & logo! £ 2,000 BESPOKE Bespoke Logo We worked with Blenheim Castle to design a bespoke Potion themed logo. Let's Go Exploring Resource Page Bespoke Pumpkin Recipe Resource Page Bespoke Scorpion Activity Page Let's Go Exploring Resource Page 1/14 Bespoke Resources Your resource pack is tailored to reflect the theme of your trail. Bespoke Trail Stop Bespoke Trail Stop Bespoke Trail Stop Bespoke Trail Stop 1/8 Bespoke Trail Stops Blenheim Castle wanted to feature the local produce grown on their estate, so we developed a 'Perilous Potion' Theme, which took visitors around the grounds to collect ingredients. Upon competing the Trail, participants got their Potions Master Certificate! Looking for something different? Check out our workshops Book now!

Looking for animal experiences in Winchester? Meet ZooLab Ranger Gemma - hands-on animal workshops for schools and events across Hampshire. Discover how cool nature can be! Gemma Pollitt ZooLab Ranger License Number: - Gemma joined ZooLab in 2026. She works in Winchester and the surrounding areas. Gemma loves spending time with animals and ZooLab allows her to combine this with years of excellent customer service experience. “I joined ZooLab because I've always wanted to work with animals and love seeing the positive impact they have on people.” Wilderness Explorer Gemma loves going on outdoor adventures and seeing what she can discover in the wilderness. Scout Leader Extraordinaire Gemma worked with the Beaver Scouts for two years, eventually becoming scout leader and helped plan lessons! Hiss Gemma's favourite animal is Ink the Corn Snake. She loves how calm and friendly they are around people. “I've loved getting to share my love of animals with a range of different people and show them how cool the natural world is.” BOOK NOW