What if one lesson could inspire someone to protect a rhino, clean up their local park, or help save a rainforest? At ZooLab, we believe that connecting people with animals should be about more than simply learning facts. That’s why, alongside our work inspiring the next generation of animal lovers, we’re committed to making a real difference to wildlife, habitats and the planet we all share. This National Day of Charity, we're looking at some of the ways ZooLab, our team, and our customers have been helping animals and the environment, one mission at a time. ZooLab's Charity Work Mission: Poaching Rhino conservation in South Africa 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. We have been working with Mankwe Wildlife Reserve in South Africa to help protect this wonderful species. They patrol the reserve on the lookout for poachers and work to deter them by humanely dehorning the rhino. To date, we have raised over £5,000 for the reserve, helping upgrade their equipment and keep the rhinos safe! Mission: Net Zero Here come the off-setters! It's clear that climate change is an important and pressing issue for the world. As well as teaching the next generation about human impacts on the environment, we are also striving to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Last year ZooLab offset 67.96 tonnes of CO2e in our efforts to become a more environmentally conscious business. We also track our carbon emissions and energy use across all areas of the business, as well as trying where we can to use sustainable and recyclable materials. Mission: Clean Up ZooLab cleans up! We're passionate about all animals, including wild ones! Litter is a big issue in today's world, with rubbish clogging our waterways and affecting the habitats of countless animals and ecosystems. That's why each year, we take part in World Clean Up Day, which joins together people from all over the world on one day to clean up their local environment. ZooLab staff have cleared over 150 bags of rubbish from our local communities across the UK for World Clean Up Day. Mission: Ukraine Homeless and displaced animals After the war on Ukraine started, thousands of animals were affected. Whether displaced, caught up in the crossfire, or abandoned after their owner's evacuated. We wanted to help in any way we could. We raised £500 in support during this time. This money was used to provide food, shelter and medical assistance to animals affected by the ongoing conflict. Mission: Operation Ocelot Saving the rainforest for the 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. We donated £5 per customer who books a Rainforest workshop between January - March 2022 to Operation Ocelot. We raised over £500! Mission: Citizen Science Citizens unite for science! Citizen Science encourages the public to participate voluntarily in gathering environmental data to be analysed by scientists. We've been taking part in these citizen science activities for many years, including counting the number and species of birds that come to our open spaces, doing woodlice counts to identify blue woodlice, and counting insects in quadrats of flowers! We're also encouraging our customers to take part too! So there you go! Got some ideas of more ways we can support the world around us? Leave a comment or get in touch!

Ranger Jack is back from his travels around the world! He sat down with us to answer some of our burning questions about what animals he met and all of the amazing sights that he saw! So read on and hear some of his best travel tales! Ranger Jack's Travel Tales What inspired you to take time out and go travelling? "I’d always wanted to see more of the world, and I realised that if I kept waiting for the 'right time', I might never do it. With climate change and the natural world changing so rapidly, I felt that now was the time to experience some of these places and animals while I still could. I also felt I was at a point in my career where I had built up enough knowledge and experience with animals to really appreciate what I was seeing. Rather than just travelling to tick countries off a list, I wanted to see wildlife in its natural environment and learn from the people and places along the way." By Budzak2 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71958846 Which destination surprised you the most? Which was your favourite? "Bosnia was probably the biggest surprise. I think a lot of people still associate Bosnia with its history of war, but arriving there, I found a completely different side of the country. The people were incredibly friendly, the landscapes were stunning, and huge areas were still wild and relatively untouched by tourism. It became one of my favourite places because I was able to spend time rescuing wolves and bears there. Being surrounded by that much nature while working with animals that I had always wanted to see was an experience I’ll never forget." By Thomas Fuhrmann - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=118676119 What was the most memorable animal encounter you had on your travels? "That’s a difficult one because two experiences really stand out for completely different reasons. In Ecuador, I hiked up cliffs to see Andean condors. There are thought to be only around 150 left in Ecuador, so seeing them soaring above me was pretty incredible. You’re standing there looking up at these enormous birds flying effortlessly through the mountains, and it really puts into perspective how small you are. Then there was swimming with hammerhead sharks in the Galápagos. Being in the water with them and watching these bizarre-looking sharks move around you was completely surreal. I honestly couldn’t pick between the two." By Charles J. Sharp - Own work, from Sharp Photography, sharpphotography, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44247573 Which species had been on your "must-see" list, and did you get to see it? "Without a doubt, the jaguar. It was probably the animal I wanted to see more than anything else. I spent around six months travelling through South America looking for one, going into rainforests and following leads, but unfortunately I never got a confirmed sighting. I did have one moment on a night tour where we thought we could see a pair of eyes watching us from the darkness. It could have been a jaguar, but without being able to properly identify it, I can’t honestly say that it was. So, after six months of searching, the jaguar remains firmly on my list. I suppose that just gives me another reason to go back." Were there any animals that completely changed your perception after seeing them in the wild? "I wouldn’t say any particular animal completely changed my perception of them, because spending so much time working with animals had already given me a huge appreciation for them. If anything, travelling reinforced just how incredible they are. Spending time in rainforests and seeing how many completely different species can exist within one ecosystem was amazing. Some animals that initially looked frightening or aggressive were actually displaying behaviours designed purely for defence. Seeing that in the wild gives you a much better understanding of why animals behave the way they do." What's the rarest or most unusual creature you came across? "One of the most unusual was definitely the Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia there is only 89 left in the wild. I went kayaking specifically hoping to see them, and getting out onto the river knowing that there were only small populations of these unusual-looking dolphins around was pretty special. They don't look quite like the dolphins most people imagine, which made seeing them in their natural environment even more memorable." Did you capture a favourite wildlife photograph? What's the story behind it? "I actually took surprisingly few wildlife photographs while travelling. I was much more interested in experiencing things while I was there rather than constantly trying to get the perfect picture. Quite often, by the time I'd reached for my camera, the animal had already disappeared! One set of photos I did manage to get that I really like was in Cambodia, showing millions of bats pouring out of a cave. Watching them emerge in huge numbers and fill the sky was an incredible sight, and luckily I was actually quick enough to get the camera out that time." By Charles J. Sharp - Own work, from Sharp Photography, sharpphotography, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=44250734 Which animal proved the hardest to spot? "The obvious answer is the jaguar, after spending six months looking for one! But tapirs were also surprisingly difficult. You can be walking through rainforest knowing that they're somewhere in the area, but the vegetation is so dense that they can disappear completely. That's one of the frustrating—and exciting—parts of wildlife watching. You can spend hours searching and see absolutely nothing, then suddenly an animal appears for a few seconds and vanishes again." What's one thing you learnt from watching animals in the wild? "Patience. A lot of patience. You can't just walk into a rainforest and expect animals to appear on command. Sometimes you can spend hours searching and see nothing. I also learnt how important local knowledge is. Speaking to local people, guides and communities and asking where animals had recently been seen could make the difference between seeing something incredible and coming away empty-handed. Wildlife watching is often as much about listening and asking questions as it is about looking." Has travelling changed how you appreciate the natural world back home? "Definitely. Since coming home, I've found myself appreciating the countryside around me much more. When you've spent months seeing completely different ecosystems and wildlife, you start to notice how unique our own natural world is. Our wildlife might not include jaguars, condors or hammerhead sharks, but that doesn't make it any less interesting. Seeing so many different parts of the world has made me appreciate just how different wildlife can be from one country to another—and how important it is to protect what we have on our own doorstep as well." By original image by Jan Roletto, uploaded 18:58, Feb 26, 2004 - de:Wikipedia by de:User:Baldhur, edited by Matthew Field - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (http://www.noaa.gov), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3440642 And now time for some quick-fire questions! Favourite animal spotted? Elephant Seals in Argentina. Most surprising wildlife encounter? Orcas in the Galapagos island swimming near our boat One species everyone should see in the wild? Condors as there the largest flying bird One place you'd return to? Peru So there you go! Let us know your favourite fact in the comments and learn more about Ranger Jack here.

Where to see ZooLab in September Below is a selection of locations that we are visiting in September. Please check with each venue for times and ticket information. 6th - York Racecourse, York 12th - Natural History Museum, London - Dinosnores for Kids 15th - 18th, & 20th - BMW PGA Championship, Surrey 19th - Bang Goes the Borders, Melrose 19th - Eggleston Show, Durham 27th - The Thistles Shopping Centre, Stirling Come back in a few weeks' time to see where you can see ZooLab in the summer, or contact us if you would like ZooLab to visit your setting.

Where to see ZooLab in August Below is a selection of locations that we are visiting in August. Please check with each venue for times and ticket information. 1st - 9th August 2nd - Wilderness Festival, Cornbury Park 3rd - Edmonton Green Library, London 4th - Louth Library, Louth 4th - Mablethorpe Library, Mablethorpe 4th - Skegness Library, Skegness 4th - Beaumont Leys Library, Leicester 4th - Beckenham Library, Beckenham 4th - Coldharbour Library, London 4th - Darwen Library, Darwen 4th - Blackburn Central Library, Blackburn 4th - West Wickham Library, West Wickham 5th - Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey 5th - Darlington Library, Darlington 5th - 6th - The Buffalo Farm, Kirkcaldy 6th - Blickling Hall, Norwich 6th - 7th - West Greenwich Library, London 6th - Height Library, Manchester 6th - Greenwich Centre Library, London 6th - 7th - West Greenwich Library, London 7th - Brownhills District Library, Walsall 7th - Beddow Library, Portsmouth 7th - Chislehurst Library, Chislehurst 9th - Hamsterley Forest, County Durham 10th - 16th August 11th - Alderley Edge Library, Alderley Edge 11th - Wilmslow Library, Wilmslow 11th - Spalding Library, Spalding 11th - Slade Library, London 11th - Plumstead Library, London 11th - Long Sutton Library, Spalding 12th - Alice Holt Forest, Farnham 12th - The Trentham Estate, Staffordshire 13th - Darlaston Library, Walsall 13th - Handforth Library, Handforth 13th - Thamesmere Library, London 13th - Abbey Wood Library, London 14th - Eltham Library, London 14th - Edmonton Green Library, London 14th - Woolwich Library, London 15th - Floors Castle, Kelso 17th - 23rd August 17th - Oyster Bay Holiday Park, Cornwall 17th - Rawmarsh Library, Rawmarsh 17th - Blickling Hall, Norwich 17th - Enfield Town Library, Enfield 17th - Biggin Hill Library, Westerham 17th - York Gardens Library, London 17th - Battersea Park Library, London 17th - Balham Library, London 18th - Plymouth Central Library, Plymouth 18th - Skelton Library, Skelton 18th - Southway Library, Plymouth 18th - Thirsk Community Library, Thirsk 18th - Petts Wood Library, Petts Wood 18th - St Pauls Cray Library, Orpington 18th - Roehampton Library, London 18th - Tooting Library, London 19th - Denbies Wine Estate, Surrey 19th - Southborough Library, Bromley 19th - Trebah Garden, Falmouth 19th - Mottingham Library, London 20th - Willenhall Library, Willenhall 20th - Thorne Library, Doncaster 20th - Penge Library, London 20th - Richmond Library, Richmond 20th - Colburn Library, Colburn 20th - Catterick Library, Catterick 21st - Little Hulton Library, Manchester 21st - Battersea Library, London 21st - Wandsworth Town Library, London 21st - Northcote Library, London 21st - Princess Pavilion, Falmouth 21st - New Eltham Library, London 21st, 22nd, 26th, 27th - National Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth 22nd - Natural History Museum, London 22nd - 24th - Alnwick Castle, Northumberland 24th - 31st August 25th - Hayes Library, Hayes 26th - Blackheath Library, London 27th - ThinkTank, Birmingham 27th - Orpington Library, Orpington 28th - Bloxwich Library, Walsall 28th - Earlsfield Library, London 28th - Putney Library, London 28th - Southfields Library, London 28th - Blickling Hall, Norwich 28th - Newby and Scalby Library and Information Centre, Scarborough 29th - Lullingstone Castle, Kent Come back in a few weeks' time to see where you can see ZooLab in the summer, or contact us if you would like ZooLab to visit your setting.

Every year on 12th August, World Elephant Day is celebrated to raise awareness of these amazing animals, whose lives and habitats are at risk. There are three species of elephant: The Asian elephant, found in South and Southeast Asia, is endangered. The African savanna elephant now inhabits 24 countries in Africa and is classified as endangered. The African forest elephant is critically endangered in the rainforests of West and Central Africa. The biggest threat to African elephants is poaching. Habitat loss and human-elephant conflict pose significant risks to Asian elephants. World Elephant Day is important to educate people about these amazing animals. To do our part, here are our favourite elephant facts. 5 Weird and Wonderful Elephant Facts Elephants can hear through their feet No, they don’t have ears on their feet! Elephant footpads are specially adapted to be sensitive to pressure and seismic vibrations. Vibrations travelling through the ground are picked up by these receptors and sent to the brain. It helps elephants sense herds farther away, detect approaching predators, and act as an early warning system for thunder and earthquakes. More info African elephants ears are shaped like the map of the African continent Take a look for yourself! Each elephant species has differently shaped ears to help adapt to their environments. African elephants have huge ears that can grow to 2 meters long. Ears help elephants regulate temperature - they are filled with blood vessels that can expand or contract to keep them warm or cool down. Elephants are not afraid of mice but find bees terrifying From ancient Greeks and Romans to Disney, ancient tales and pop culture have helped perpetuate the myth that elephants are scared of mice. Studies have shown that elephants don’t exhibit fear towards mice but do display a ‘startle response’ due to poor eyesight. Honey bees, on the other hand… The buzzing alone is enough to deter elephants; they even have a unique rumble they use to alert others that bees are near. This has been used to de-escalate human/elephant conflict, with beehives used to protect farmers' crops. Elephants have around 90,000 muscle fascicles in their trunk While elephants have only 17 muscles in their trunks, they have 90,000 muscle fascicles. Muscle fascicles are bundles of muscle fibres that are crucial for complex movement and dexterity. It helps them to lift large heavy objects, precisely pick up small objects, communicate, and breathe. Elephants exhibit self-awareness Elephants are one of a handful of species that pass the mirror test, a recognition of self-awareness. In 2017, psychologists and elephant experts developed a new test for Asian elephants to determine whether they understood that their bodies could be obstacles to tasks. The elephants showed self-understanding, problem-solving, and perspective-taking. Elephants are also known to show empathy, compassion, and even perform burial rituals to mourn their dead. Learn more about amazing animals in the blogs below.

Selamat siang! Today, we are visiting one of the most biologically diverse places in the world - Indonesia. Come with us and meet incredible Indonesian animals while exploring landmarks such as the Wallace Line, Sumatran rainforests and the Sibau river. 10 Fun Facts About Indonesian Animals By Eric Kilby from Somerville, MA, USA - Male Bornean Orangutan - Big Cheeks, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40995032 Indonesia is home to all three species of orangutan, all of which are critically endangered. Indonesia is now the only place you can find wild Sumatran orangutans and the Tapanuli orangutans. See their range here. Sulawesi views the Maleo as a symbol of fertility and renewal. The maleo also has a unique way of hatching its eggs. They choose volcanic soil or warm sand to aid incubation. The real Iron Teeth clan. Komodo dragons' teeth are coated in iron to keep them sharp. By Rushenb - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51422142 Where frogs fly (sort of). Wallace's flying frogs glide through the rainforest to escape predators. Their specially adapted feet, with webbing and large sticky toes, help them glide over 50 feet and land without causing injury. Watch one in action here. A fish that predicts a windfall. Found in rivers and swamps in Indonesia (and a popular aquarium species), legend has it that the golden arowana acts strangely before someone comes into money. Sea wasp is a fearsome predator with no brain. This box jellyfish is believed to be one of the world’s most venomous animals. Each tentacle has millions of stinging cells that inject venom into prey. By JJ Harrison - This photograph was taken with a Canon EOS R3 by u:JJ Harrison., CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=154371781 A crown fit for a king. Wilson's bird-of-paradise has a featherless bright blue crown that is so vibrant, it can be seen at night. Borneo elephant populations have declined by 50% over three generations. These friendly elephants are suffering from habitat loss due to deforestation and human encroachment. By mrpbps - Reef Shark, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6435298 The epaulette shark can walk on land. Eqaulette sharks have two amazing adaptations. The first allows them to use their fins to move on land, the second, to survive for a limited time without oxygen. Indonesia holds the Guinness World Record for the longest snake. The title is held by a 7.22 m reticulated python in 2025, who is thought to be the longest wild snake ever recorded. Interested in hearing more about amazing animals and where they live? Ask us about our ‘Habitats’, ‘Rainforest’ or ‘Oceans’ workshops.

Did you know? There are 12 different species of skunk - 10 of which are native to the Americas (Sunda stink badger and Palawan stink badger are both native to Asia). When we think of skunks, the image that will often come to mind is the Striped skunk from Canada, the United States and Mexico. We are here today to answer 10 commonly asked questions about skunks, including 'WHat do Skunks eat?'. What do skunks eat?... And other questions What is a skunk? Skunks are black and white mammals. Their claim to fame is their ability to unleash a horrible-smelling spray as a deterrent. What do skunks look like? Skunks are small mammals that are predominantly black with white markings. They have a long, black-and-white, bushy tail. If you were looking for their footprints, they have 5 toes and long claws, perfect for digging. ​ Each species looks slightly different and has adaptations apt for their environment. The Humboldt hog-nosed skunk has a flat, fleshy nose for searching the ground for food and two white stripes running down its back. The pygmy spotted skunk from Mexico is tiny (11-34 cm) with multiple squiggly white lines. ​ Is a skunk a rodent? No, they are part of the Mephitidae family. Do skunks live underground? Yes, skunks live underground in dens. Are skunks nocturnal? Yes, a nocturnal schedule helps them avoid predators while increasing access to food. What do skunks eat? Skunks are omnivores with a flexible diet. Depending on availability, they like insects, eggs, small animals, and will eat plants, carrion and even human rubbish. What do skunks smell like? They aren’t always smelly; however, skunks emit a horrible odour through their anal glands when threatened. It can linger for days and smells like ‘ rotten eggs, burnt rubber, and garlic’. Are skunks dangerous? Skunks are generally not aggressive and their spray, although vile, is not dangerous. Skunks can be carriers of disease which can be an indirect risk to humans. Can you have skunks as pets in the UK? Yes, it's currently legal to keep a skunk as a pet in the UK, and no special licence is generally required for a captive-bred animal from a legitimate source. That said, it's not something we'd recommend. De-scenting is illegal here under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, so you'd be keeping an animal with its full spraying ability intact, and skunks have demanding care needs that aren't well suited to typical households. If you're considering it, research thoroughly first. Are there skunks in the UK? Skunks aren't native to the UK, and there's no established wild population. Occasional sightings do get reported, almost always traced back to escaped or abandoned pets, notably a small colony in the Forest of Dean first reported around 2009, plus scattered sightings elsewhere including London suburbs like Muswell Hill. Have you enjoyed this blog? Learn more about top asked questions in the blogs below.

It's World Snake Day! Snakes are among the most fascinating reptiles on Earth, but some species stand out for their truly extraordinary adaptations. In this blog, we'll explore the world's five strangest snakes. Discover where these unusual snakes live, what makes them so unique, and the remarkable adaptations that have earned them a place among the world's most amazing reptiles. The World's 5 Strangest Snakes By Gihan Jayaweera - At Kandalama, Sri Lanka, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33475571 Flying Snake So, we did lie a bit here. These snakes can't actually fly, they're more like gliders! They basically free-fall from tree to tree, contorting their body to control their movements. The different movements help them trap air and soar instead of plummeting straight to the ground. Don't worry, though, there's no chance of a rogue flying snake landing on you. they only live in the jungles of South and Southeast Asia. By Alextelford at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13732095 Malagasy Leaf-Nosed Snake These snakes get their name from the flat shape of their nose. Sexual dimorphism means that it's only the females of the species that have the leafy appendage. Why their nose is shaped like that is unknown but is most likely to help them blend in with their jungle habitat. By Omid Mozaffari - https://calphotos.berkeley.edu/cgi/img_query?enlarge=0000+0000+0518+0274, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=140360563 Spider-Tailed Horned Viper This spikey fella looks like it was ripped straight out of a fantasy book - but they're real! Their spikey tails have the appearance of a spider, and they lurk on the mountainsides of Iran, using their tails to lure in birds. Their mottled grey scales help them blend in with the rocky terrain and their bite is venomous, making them perfect hunters! By Aloaiza - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3582452 Sea Snake That's right, snakes live in the water too! There are over 60 recognised species of sea snake across the world, but they mainly live in the shallow tropical waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They've evolved brilliantly over millions of years to thrive in this habitat, including flattening the end of their tail into a paddle and having an organ in their mouth that helps excrete excess salt from the seawater they live in. They even give birth to live young in the water! By derivative work: Victorrocha (talk · contribs)Crotalus_cerastes_mesquite_springs_CA.JPG: Tigerhawkvok (talk · contribs) - Crotalus_cerastes_mesquite_springs_CA.JPG, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4272850 Rattlesnake We couldn't write a list about snakes without mentioning one of the strangest - the rattlesnake! Their distinctive rattle sound comes from their hollow tail tip. It contains hard doughnut-like segments that rattle as their tail shakes. They do this to warn off predators and distract prey.

Did you know? There are 38 species of mouse worldwide, with 6 found in the UK: the house mouse, wood mouse, yellow-necked mouse, harvest mouse, hazel dormouse and edible dormouse. Mice are also popular pets. In 2022, 100,000 mice were kept as pets in the UK. We thought we’d give you a crash course in all things mice with answers to some commonly asked questions! What do mice eat?... And other questions What do mice eat? Wild mice like grains, seeds, and fruits and will eat meat or carrion when available. Pet mice need a balanced diet of mouse food and a small amount of fruit and vegetables. What do mice need to survive? In the UK, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 defines five key welfare needs that pet owners must meet to ensure their animals are healthy and happy Health – Protection from pain, injury, suffering, and disease, with prompt treatment if the animal becomes ill or injured. Behaviour – The ability to express natural behaviours, such as running, playing, digging, or flying, depending on the species. Companionship – Appropriate social housing, either with other animals for social species or alone for solitary species. Diet – A suitable diet tailored to the animal’s life stage, species, and activity level, including access to fresh, clean water. Environment – A safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment, including space to exercise, rest, and hide, appropriate to the species and individual needs. Meeting these needs ensures animals can thrive physically and mentally, and failure to do so can result in legal action under the Act. What is the lifespan of a house mouse? The average lifespan of a house mouse is 6 months to 2 years. Pet mice can live up to 3 years with proper care. When do mice come out? Are mice nocturnal? Mice are most active at night. Do mice hibernate in the winter? No, mice are active throughout winter. They look for warmth, often coming into homes or huddling together and storing food. Can you have just one mouse as a pet? No. Mice are social creatures and need a companion to meet their welfare needs. The PDSA recommends: Female mice are usually very happy to live with each other and accept unknown females into the group. Males can live together if they have been together since birth but will rarely accept new males into the group. One male and one or more female mice often works well, but the male needs to be neutered to avoid unwanted pregnancies. How many babies can mice have? They average around 6-8 babies per litter but can have 5-10 litters a year. Can mice climb walls? They can! Mice are amazing climbers, but they do need a rough surface to scale, allowing them to hold on with their claws. Are elephants scared of mice? Scientists have discovered that this is a myth. It dates back to the ancient Greeks, where they told tales about a mouse who crawled up an elephant’s trunk. This myth was further perpetuated by Disney in Dumbo and in children’s cartoons. Do mice like cheese? Another myth, sort of. According to Science Insights, mice are opportunists and would eat cheese if other food sources are scarce, however it has been proven not to be a preference. Adult mice struggle to digest lactose. Are mice dangerous? Wild mice can cause health issues, in particular hantavirus, caused by their feces, urine and saliva. There is no evidence that pet mice can transmit hantavirus. Mice infestations come with additional risk from foodborne illness, mites and ticks and creating safety and fire hazards. In Canada, mice are estimated to cause approximately 15,000 to 30,000 house fires annually. Have you enjoyed this blog? Learn more about top asked questions in the blogs below.

Hola! Let’s explore. Today, we venture through the rainforests, mountain ranges, wetlands and islands of Peru to get up close and personal with a whole host of fascinating creatures. Peru is home to over 30000 species, with more being identified each year. In 2022, 27 new Peruvian animals were found, including 4 mammals, 8 fish, 3 amphibians and 12 invertebrates. Who knows how many more amazing critters are out there to be discovered! 10 Fun Facts About Peruvian Animals By Christopher Murray - en:Image:Lachesis muta muta.jpg, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1120263 The most dangerous animal in the Manu rainforest. The Bushmaster is the largest venomous snake in the Americas. Its venom is hemotoxic and neurotoxic but thankfully due to the effectiveness and availability of anti-venom, only around 1.4% of bites are fatal. Vicuña is the national animal of Peru. Vicuña wool is so soft, it was illegal for anyone other than Incan royalty to wear it. Read more. Tiny Frog, Big Science. The mimic poison dart frog is the perfect example of Batesian mimicry. It imitates the colours of more poisonous species to avoid being eaten. It is so small that it can fit on the thumbnail of a human. 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=136448825 Time for a dance party Every breeding season, the cloud forests of the Andes Mountains turn into a dance off. Groups of Andrean cock of the rocks gather to perform mating dances to win the affection of their female onlookers. A bizarre new discovery from deep in the Amazon Basin The blob-headed fish was discovered during an expedition of the Alto Mayo region in 2022. It has a strange gelatinous look. Science Word of the Day - Geophagy. Geophagy is the term used for animals that eat soil. The yellow-tailed woolly monkey does this to supplement vital minerals and nutrients. Endemic to the Peruvian Andes, they are critically endangered and part of the ‘25 Most Endangered Primates’ list. By Sheri (Bellatrix on Flickr) - https://www.flickr.com/photos/bellatrix6/106010853, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30593560 The world's largest tarantula is found here. The Goliath birdeater, found here, can weigh 170 grams, making it the largest tarantula by mass. Bird poo is a money maker. Guano is sea bird poo. It's rich in nutrients that make it the perfect fertiliser for farmers. Guano is gathered from Peruvian islands with dense seabird colonies and sold to other countries. Learn more about guano mining and the conservation practices that have been put in place. By D. Gordon E. Robertson - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=33484737 Peru is home to the largest number of butterflies on the planet. The giant swallowtail is the largest, with a wingspan of 18 –23 cm, and the smallest is the Western Pygmy Blue, with a wingspan of 1.2 –2 cm. The caiman lizard has evolved to have a built-in goggle. Caiman lizards are semi-aquatic and have evolved to have a 3rd eyelid, which protects their eyes and allows them to see in murky water. Studying Rainforests or Habitats? We have a selection of fantastic workshops and resources that can link with your curriculum. Contact us to find out more.

Where to see ZooLab in June & July Below is a selection of locations that we are visiting in June & July. Please check with each venue for times and ticket information. JUNE 5th - Cheltenham Science Festival, Cheltenham Town Hall - Adaptations 8th - 11th - The Big Bang Fair, Birmingham 21st - Natural History Museum, London - Dinosnores for Kids VIP 27th - Swanley Armed Forces Day, Swanley Recreation Ground JULY 3rd - 5th - IWM Duxford, Cambridge 3rd - Natural History Museum, London - DinoSnores for Grown Ups 8th - 12th - The Scottish Open, North Berwick 12th - Stratford Racecourse, Stratford Upon Avon 15th - 16th - The Buffalo Farm, Kirkcaldy 18th - Natural History Museum, London - Dinosnores for Kids VIP 18th - 19th - The Lee Flower Show, Buckinghamshire 20th, 22nd, 28th, 29th - The Buffalo Farm, Kirkcaldy 23rd - Cockerton Library, Darlington - Minibeasts 23rd - Darlington Library, Darlington 23rd - Leigh Library, Leigh - The Cacophony Chaos 23rd - Knutsford Library, Knutsford - The Cacophony Chaos 24th - Shoe Lane Library, London - The Cacophony Chaos 25th - Floors Castle, Kelso - Animal Architects 27th - Newby and Scalby Library and Information Centre, Scarborough 28th - 30th - Fleet Air Arm Museum, Yeovil 28th - ThinkTank, Birmingham - Jurassic Encounters 29th - Enfield Town Library, Enfield 30th - Stamford Library, Stamford 30th - Tadcaster Library and Information Centre, Tadcaster 31st - Wigan Library, Wigan Come back in a few weeks' time to see where you can see ZooLab in the summer, or contact us if you would like ZooLab to visit your setting.

Frogs are fascinating creatures that undergo one of nature’s most dramatic transformations. From tiny eggs to hopping adults, their life cycle is a complex and captivating journey that offers insight into the wonders of metamorphosis. In this blog, we’ll explore the stages of a frog's life, from the early days as an aquatic tadpole to the moment they take their first leap onto land. Join us as we dive into the stages of growth, change, and survival that define the frog's remarkable journey. Frog Life Cycles Tadpoles developing in their eggs Step 1: Laying eggs A frog’s life cycle starts in early spring with clumps of tiny eggs with little black dots covered in a jelly-like, nutritious substance. This substance, called frogspawn, protects the growing eggs from predators and keeps them moist. These freshly laid eggs float around bodies of water, developing for 1-3 weeks from tiny black dots into the beginnings of a tadpole, where they grow their tails. DID YOU KNOW… Female frogs can lay up to 4,000 eggs at a time, yet only around 1 in every 50 eggs make it through the various growth stages. A tadpole, with a long tail and legs Step 2: Tadpoles After those 1-3 weeks of development, the eggs hatch and tadpoles emerge! Growth at this stage is much more physically obvious. They grow hind legs and they start growing lungs so that they can breathe in and out of the water. These tadpoles initially eat the yolk of their egg and then move on to nearby plant material. Then, for the next 14 weeks, the tadpoles go through an intense period of metamorphosis to become froglets. Their tail shrinks away, skin grows over their gills, and they grow front legs. Tadpoles, amazingly, can control the rate of their transformation. If they feel a threat from predators, they metamorphose faster to make their escape, and if it’s colder they will slow their development for up to a year. There is then a 24-hour period where their metamorphosis is finally complete and they are officially froglets! DID YOU KNOW… A study found that of 720 species of frogs studied, a few hundred species completely miss the tadpole stage. This is a reproductive mode called ‘direct development’. A fully grown frog! Step 3: Fully formed frog These froglets, young frogs, look much more like what we recognise as frogs at this stage. It can take up to 4 years for froglets to mature into adult frogs properly. Now that their hind legs are fully formed and their lungs have finished developing, they can venture out above water. They spend their time hunting for bugs and can go in and out of the water as they please. They tend to go into the water to ensure their delicate skin doesn’t dry out. Once they reach maturation, usually between 2 and 3 years old, they will begin to reproduce and continue this extraordinary life cycle of a frog. FUN FACT: The biggest frog species in the world, the Goliath Frog, can weigh as much as a newborn baby (around 7lbs/3.2kg). Now that’s some serious growth! How to attract frogs to your garden Provide areas of still water, like ponds. Adding algae to the pond will also nourish tadpoles. Create shady, damp areas from leaves, log piles, upturned plant pots, and nearby vegetation for frogs to hide in Avoid using harsh chemicals and pesticides in your garden. Frogs breathe through their skin so are especially sensitive. Attract insects to your garden, so frogs will have plenty to eat! Want to learn more about the lifecycles of various animals? Well, you're in luck! We have a bespoke workshop all about lifecycles! Get in touch to book your session today!