Search Results

EYFS Workshops The early educational development of a child is a crucial phase where they discover the world through play and hands on learning. ZooLab workshops provide children with a rich variety of play activities and learning experiences in a safe, secure, and stimulating environment under the supervision and guidance of our expert ZooLab presenter. Download our FREE Nature Town magazine Core Workshops Storybook Workshops Seasonal Workshops Core Topics (2 - 5 years) Core Topic Rainforest Adventurer EYFS, KS 1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7 . ​ Go on an action-packed adventure through the rainforest layers with ZooLab’s expert Ranger! From stepping over snails on the forest floor to watching dancing stick insects in the understorey, seeing how snakes climb and tarantulas jump out of burrows - you may even get to meet a canopy-dwelling tree frog too. Find out more! Senses & Textures EYFS, KS 1; Early Years, First Stage KS 1. Ages 3 - 7. ​ We’re going to use our senses to meet our animal friends and find out how they use their senses? ​ Children make hands-on discoveries of textures and senses in an animal handling experience that is suitable for everyone from new intake to SEN classes. Find out more! We're Going On An Animal Hunt EYFS, KS 1, Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ This story-based workshop based on a classic children’s book takes children on a fantastic animal hunt! ​ Their ZooLab presenter will take them through grass, a river, mud, a forest and a snowstorm before coming face to face with an array of amazing ZooLab animals!​ Using animals, songs and rhymes helps promote language, physical, social and emotional development. Find out more! Caring For Living Things EYFS, KS 1, Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ A very important rule for living things is that they need to stay alive (or else they wouldn’t be living things)! ​ This workshop emphasises what we need to do to look after animals, plants and the planet. Exploring the diverse requirements of a range of ZooLab animals, we discover that often creatures need the same core things to survive; food, water, oxygen and protection/shelter. Find out more! African Explorer KS 1, First Stage. Ages 4 - 7. ​ What better way to explore Africa than on a ZooLab safari! A ZooLab Ranger will take you on foot, jeep and kayak around Africa’s varied habitats. ​ On our travels you will learn about the fantastic large creatures found in Africa and meet some smaller creatures that call this continent home. Find out more! Minibeasts EYFS, KS 1, 2; Early Years, First, Second Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ Minibeasts have existed for around 550 million years and make up approximately 97% of creatures on Earth! In fact, the UK alone is home to 25,000 different species - these little creatures are quite a big deal. Let’s look at Minibeasts together! During ZooLab’s workshop, children get a fun introduction to invertebrates and classification. They get to question, investigate and learn about scientific discovery. Find out more! EYFS Animal Explorer All Ages. ​ How slimy is a snail? Are tarantulas terrifying? Do cockroaches give you the creeps? Get up-close and hands-on with our unique Animal Explorer workshop. ​ Guided by your expert ZooLab Ranger, you'll meet a menagerie of mammals, insects, amphibians and arachnids. Will you be brave enough to meet them all? Find out more! Wriggle & Crawl EYFS, KS 1; Early Years, First Stage KS 1. Ages 3 - 7. ​ Wriggle and Crawl is a fun, exercise based workshop designed to get young children up and active! Your children will find themselves hopping like a frog and even taking part in the Millipede Conga! Children are encouraged to act out being specific animals while at the same time gaining knowledge of basic scientific principles - all while having fun! Find out more! Show & Tell Ages 0 - 2. ​ ZooLab’s Baby Show and Tell experience is an additional 20-30 minute workshop designed to stimulate the senses and help your 0-2s develop. We use ZooLab animals, actions, songs/rhymes and puppetry as a powerful and unique bonding activity between parents, carers and children. This aids learning and helps language, physical, social and emotional development. Find out more! Storybook Workshops (2 - 5 years) Storybook Workshops Using storytelling as a mechanism in teaching helps children make sense of issues and topics by engaging them in a story. It makes facts easier to remember and participants more open to learning. The benefits of ZooLab's storybook workshops do not stop at increasing knowledge of the subject area - storytelling encourages creativity, expands vocabulary, increases attention span and helps to reinforce morals. Meet our characters! The Zagaro EYFS, KS 1; Early Years, First Stage KS 1. Ages 3 - 7. ​ The Zagaro - based on a famous children’s story - takes us on a trip through the deep, dark woods. Our rat protagonist meets a host of ZooLab’s weird and wonderful animals along the way and uses their characteristics to create an imaginary monster to scare away other creatures. Spoiler ahead - at the end of the story we find out the Zagaro is real, much to rats surprise! Find out more! Morpho The Munching Millipede EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ This active-learning workshop based on a classic and much loved children’s picture book follows ‘Morpho the Munching Millipede’ as he travels through a week-long adventure, meeting a variety of exciting and awe-inspiring ZooLab animals. ​ Through repetition, actions and participation, this workshop introduces concepts of literacy, numeracy and sharing as well as reinforcing healthy eating. Find out more! Ben In The Glen EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ Follow Ben through his home in the glen as he explores the changes of the seasons and the variety of wildlife we see at different times of year. ​ As Ben learns about the world around him, he records his findings in his nature book. You even get to be up-close and hands-on with some ZooLab animals! Find out more! Jane's Egg Hunt EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ This egg-citing Easter storybook egg-stravaganza follows our lead character, Jane, on a chocolate egg hunt. Along the way, she asks the farm animals have they seen her chocolate egg? She spies a series of eggs - could they be her chocolate prize? Perhaps they belong to some of ZooLab’s amazing animal team? If they do, we learn to leave them alone and let them hatch out. Find out more! Henry's Senses EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ Our story is about Henry (and his rat called beans) whose hobby is to learn about all the animals that he meets! Exploring habitats, big and small, Henry learns about senses and how animals use them with their surroundings. Children will be able to relate them to their own and have an opportunity to explore senses (but not taste, yuck) with some members of ZooLab’s animal team. Find out more! Naturetown EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ Naturetown’ is a rhyming adventure, following eco-warriors in a crusade to help their local wildlife - investigating issues of pollution, deforestation and litter. ​ Never before has environmental learning been so important and the time to act is now. Learn how we can protect and care for our animal friends. Find out more! The Zoo On The Broom EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ Join ZooLab on a rhyming story adventure based on a well known children’s classic! Follow our friendly witch Zog on her broomstick ride through towns, forests and bog. Along the way, her broom starts to resemble a zoo! Our helpful and kind witch offers a ride to a selection of amazing animal hitchhikers, who the children will get to meet! However - it’s not all plain sailing. Will Zog’s journey end with a bump?! Find out more! Zola The Kind-hearted Elf. EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ Join Zola the Elf on a wonderful Christmas adventure as we help her deliver presents to children all over the world. From Africa, to India and through America via Australia, we encounter a variety of fascinating creatures along the way! This is a special, festive workshop that focuses on the themes of selflessness, kindness, friendship and fun. Find out more! The Last Present EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ Join ZooLab on a festive adventure told through storytelling, rhyme, and animal encounters! ​ In this yuletide story, we join Father Christmas as he searches for the recipient of undelivered presents at the bottom of his sack. As he retraces his route to check everyone has a gift, we visit the homes of our animal friends to see their habitats and how they spend Christmas. Find out more! Seasonal Topics (3 - 7 years) Seasonal Springtime EYFS, KS1; Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ A special look at life cycles for younger children! We demonstrate how our special ZooLab animals deal with the changing of the seasons and what happens in springtime. ​ In turn, we look at how each animal reproduces and prepares for the season ahead. Where possible, our presenters will try and bring you examples of eggs and baby animals. ​ Find out more! The Zoo On The Broom EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ Join ZooLab on a rhyming story adventure based on a well known children’s classic! Follow our friendly witch Zog on her broomstick ride through towns, forests and bog. Along the way, her broom starts to resemble a zoo! Our helpful and kind witch offers a ride to a selection of amazing animal hitchhikers, who the children will get to meet! However - it’s not all plain sailing. Will Zog’s journey end with a bump?! Find out more! Zola The Kind-hearted Elf. EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ Join Zola the Elf on a wonderful Christmas adventure as we help her deliver presents to children all over the world. From Africa, to India and through America via Australia, we encounter a variety of fascinating creatures along the way! This is a special, festive workshop that focuses on the themes of selflessness, kindness, friendship and fun. Find out more! The Last Present EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ Join ZooLab on a festive adventure told through storytelling, rhyme, and animal encounters! ​ In this yuletide story, we join Father Christmas as he searches for the recipient of undelivered presents at the bottom of his sack. As he retraces his route to check everyone has a gift, we visit the homes of our animal friends to see their habitats and how they spend Christmas. Find out more! The Great ZooLab Bug Hunt EYFS, KS1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7. ​ We’re going on a bug hunt! This session takes children outdoors and gets their hands dirty. It’s all about the thrill of turning over a log or stone to find an exotic looking centipede, a family of woodlice or even a frog! ​ The session also includes an indoor section where children get to up-close and hands-on with some of ZooLab’s unusual minibeasts. Find out more! Looking for something different? Check out all our workshops!

Springtime EYFS, KS1; Early Years, First Stage. Ages 3 - 7 ​ ​ DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: A special look at life cycles for younger children! We demonstrate how our special ZooLab animals deal with the changing of the seasons and what happens in springtime. ​ In turn, we look at how each animal reproduces and prepares for the season ahead. Where possible, our presenters will try and bring you examples of eggs and baby animals. ​ A great way to entertain and educate children at a special time of year! Key Workshop Objectives: Discover what happens to animals in Winter and Spring Explore the concept of hibernation Discuss the lifecycles of different animals Encourage listening, participation and imagination Animals often used in this workshop: Entertainment Includes: Free Printable Resources Animal requests will be accommodated where possible. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee attendance. Book Now! What is a lifecycle? A life cycle shows the different stages of development for a living thing! From the moment we’re born to the moment we die, we are in a life cycle. From infancy, every living thing on earth grows, slowly going through stages before reaching adulthood and eventually dying. It’s this journey we call a life cycle. ​ Spring is an important session in an animal’s lifecycle. Animals reawaken from hibernation, days are longer and food supply is in abundance. ​ The mating season begins. In the wild, it’s also baby season; many seasonal breeders reproduce during the spring to optimise survival for the next generation. CURRICULUM OUTCOMES ENGLAND CURRICULUM OUTCOMES SCOTLAND Looking for something different? Check out our full range of workshops! More Primary Workshops Customers also booked: Rainforest Adventurer More Information Habitats More Information ZooLab Environmental Time Machine More Information Minibeasts More Information

Media Pack Welcome to the ZooLab Media Centre. Everything you need should be here, but if you need something specific get in touch with our Marketing Department .

Giant African millipede Archispirostreptus gigas Classification: Diplopoda Previous Lifespan: 5 - 7 years ​ Threats: Birds, small mammals, and various reptiles ​ Distribution: East Africa ​ Habitat: Forest floor ​ Appearance: Usually dark brown and black in colour and range from 4 to 12 inches in length ​ Diet & Feeding: Decaying organic matter such as trees and plants. ​ Social Behaviour: They live in burrows that they dig themselves. Once a millipede hatches there is no parental involvement ​ Males and females: Male millipedes have gonopods ​ Number of young: They lay between 100 - 1000 eggs ​ Interesting fact: Although the name millipede means “thousand-feet,” the giant African millipede only has about 300 to 400 legs Next

Minibeasts EYFS, KS 1, 2; Early Years, First, Second Stage. Ages 3- 11 ​ ​ DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: Minibeasts have existed for around 550 million years and make up approximately 97% of creatures on Earth! In fact, the UK alone is home to 25,000 different species - these little creatures are quite a big deal. Let’s look at Minibeasts together! During ZooLab’s workshop, children get a fun introduction to invertebrates and classification. 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? Key Workshop Objectives: Define what a Minibeast is Explain how animals are grouped into invertebrates and vertebrates Explore the different groups of invertebrate Discuss invertebrate body structures Consider why Minibeasts are important Includes: Free Printable Resources Animals often used in this workshop: Entertainment Animal requests will be accommodated where possible. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee attendance. Book Now! What is a Minibeast? A Minibeast is a creature without a backbone. In fact, Minibeasts don’t have any bones at all - their bodies have different structures for movement and protection. Invertebrates come in many shapes and sizes, living in a variety of different habitats in almost all parts of the world. The next group is so big it has to be broken down further! Arthropods - the largest phylum of creatures on Earth have an exoskeleton, a segmented body and paired jointed legs. CURRICULUM OUTCOMES ENGLAND CURRICULUM OUTCOMES SCOTLAND Looking for something different? Check out our full range of workshops! More Primary Workshops Customers also booked: Rainforest Adventurer More Information Habitats More Information ZooLab Environmental Time Machine More Information Animal Explorer More Information

Life Cycles EYFS, KS 1, 2. Early Years, First, Second Stage. Ages 3 - 11 DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: This workshop uses ZooLab animals to discuss new life, growth, reproduction and ageing. ​ Designed to complement the curriculum topics of Animals including humans and Living things and their habitats, there’s a particular focus on the metamorphosis of a butterfly and the various stages of its development. ​ Some key vocabulary is introduced including ‘metamorphosis’, ‘larva’, ‘chrysalis’, ‘adult’ and ‘reproduce’. Animals used in this workshop Key Workshop Objectives Examine the life-cycles of animals, from eggs and birth to adulthood Discuss human life cycle and how it translates to other animals Establish how many animals are egg-layers Explore animal growth and human growth Explain the metamorphosis of frogs and butterflies Define pros and cons of live-birth vs egg laying Curriculum Outcomes England & Wales Curriculum Outcomes Scotland This workshop includes FREE RESO URCES! Book Now! What is a life cycle? A life cycle shows the different stages of development for a living thing! From the moment we’re born to the moment we die, we are in a life cycle. From infancy, every living thing on earth grows, slowly going through stages before reaching adulthood and eventually dying. It’s this journey we call a life cycle. Life cycle of a butterfly A life cycle is defined as the developmental stages that occur during an organism’s lifetime. Butterflies have four life stages; The Egg The larva (caterpillar) The pupa (chrysalis) The adult butterfly "All the children were able to be actively involved in the session and came out with lots of enthusiasm for the start of our new project on Minibeasts" Name to go here. Customers also booked: Charles Darwin Age X - X KS 2, 3; Second, Third, Fourth Stage. View More Find out more! Climate Cruisader Age X - X KS 2, 3; Second, Third, Fourth Stage. View More Book Now! African Explorer Age X - X KS 2, 3; Second, Third, Fourth Stage. View More Book Now!

We’re WILD about Academy Trusts! For over 20 years ZooLab has offered a tried and trusted product which we’re continually revising and developing to make our workshop experiences as relevant as possible. Hi, we’re ZooLab, the UK’s #1 for ethical hands-on animal encounters. ​ We have a national network of Zoolab Rangers, each with their own ‘animal team’ who work closely with schools and Multi Academy Trusts to achieve learning outcomes, engage people in an informative way and to entertain through our unique animal handling workshops. We’re already a Trusted Supplier ZooLab are the preferred animal handling and education company among many schools across the UK. ​ Our BESA membership, ethics and staff performance make us the #1 choice for teachers looking to provide a topic hook or memorable experience. Educational Outcomes ZooLab workshops are designed around key curriculum topics. ​ Our team ensure they meet your required cross-curriculum learning experiences and outcomes. We can even create bespoke workshops! Consistency & Continuity Working with ZooLab ensures that each school in your trust receives an exceptional educational experience. ​ We know that no two pupil groups are the same and can adapt our work to meet the needs of each classroom. We are an ethical organisation. We love our animals and their welfare is paramount. Our animals are healthy, happy and well-adjusted. Testimonials WORKSHOP: Minibeasts ​ EYFS, KS 1, 2; Early Years, First, Second Stage. Ages 3 - 11 ​ ​ DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: During ZooLab’s workshop, children get a fun introduction to invertebrates and classification. They get to question, investigate and learn about scientific discovery. “The workshop was engaging, informative and was the right length for the children's attention span. Rob was amazing with the children and spoke at their level. He gave them facts that they found interesting and which they have since retained. I would definitely recommend your company to others. Thank you for the experience. The children loved it and it added a great activity to our topic of minibeasts. Well worth the money!” Langholm Primary School CURRICULUM OUTCOMES ENGLAND & WALES: Spoken language Working Scientifically Living things and hibitats Animals, including humans CURRICULUM OUTCOMES SCOTLAND: Listening & talking Number, money & measure Planet Earth Participation in performances & presentations Key Workshop Objectives: Define what a Minibeast is Explain how animals are grouped into invertebrates and vertebrates Explore the different groups of invertebrate Discuss invertebrate body structures Consider why Minibeasts are important Book Now! Find Out More! WORKSHOP: Habitats ​ KS 1, 2, 3, 4. First, Second, Third, Fourth Stage. Ages 5 - 14 ​ ​ DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: ZooLab’s Habitat workshop introduces pupils to different habitats from around the world: including tropical rainforests, deserts, polar regions and oceans. This hands-on workshop looks at three great survivors; rats, cockroaches and humans and considers how and why they have survived. “The children all enjoyed the experience, particularly being able to hold the animals. The ranger knew exactly how to pitch it for the children in our age range and was very patient with answering the MANY questions. The session was very informative! The range of animals brought was good too as they are the kind of animals the children would be most interested in seeing as they don't get to see them in real life usually.” Edith Cavell School CURRICULUM OUTCOMES ENGLAND & WALES: Spoken language Working Scientifically Living things and hibitats Plants CURRICULUM OUTCOMES SCOTLAND: Listening & talking People, place, environment Planet Earth Participation in performances & presentations Topical Science Key Workshop Objectives: Define what a habitat is Explain the needs of a successful habitat Consider why different animals are best suited to certain habitats. Explore different food chains Identify habitats around the world Consider the effects of habitat change Discuss why animals adapt Book Now! Find Out More!

Classification KS 2, 3; Second, Third, Fourth Stage. Ages 8 - 14 DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: There are millions of living things in the world! Scientists put living things into groups to make it easier to study and learn more about them. During ZooLab’s ‘Classification’ workshop, we will explore different animals and learn how they are classed. This hands-on, animal-handling workshop experience brings pupils face to face with classification. It is all part of an experiential and interactive learning experience which introduces ZooLab animals that include vertebrates and invertebrates. Pupils explore different classes of animal so they can uncover their differences and similarities themselves. Learning Outcomes All children will be able to define ‘classification’. All children will be able to name some of the different classifications of animals. Most children will be able to describe the characteristics of an animal that help to classify it. Some children will be able to identify which animals fit into which groups and why. BOOK NOW You'll get to meet some of these animals: To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. Free Printable Resources with every workshop What is Classification? Classifying animals basically means dividing them into two main groups - vertebrates and invertebrates. Vertebrates have a backbone, while invertebrates are those which don't. In all, there are more than 800,000 animal species in the Kingdom Animalia and most of them are included in the phylum of Arthropod - i.e. invertebrates. Usually, people don't think of earthworms or jellyfish as animals, but actually they are, thereby making the animal kingdom classification extremely huge. Each living organism is classified into one of five Kingdoms. Curriculum Outcomes England & Wales Curriculum Outcomes Scotland CHECK OUT OUR WORKSHOPS Our educational workshops hit curriculum outcomes MEET THE ANIMALS Get in the know before getting up-close and hands-on MEET THE GANG! Our ZooLab characters are excited to meet you! MEET THE RANGERS We've got the best bunch! Which Ranger will visit you?

Get in touch with your senses with our Senses & Textures Animal Therapy Session. Book a Session. ZooLab Animal Therapy Sessions are a useful tool to promote mental wellbeing and can be used in a wide range of settings including care homes, children's hospices, prisons and pupil referral units, exam stress busters and staff wellbeing sessions. Animal assisted therapy is recognised as an occupational therapy within psychology suggesting animals bring people together. Our presenting team find working in this area very rewarding - they can see the positive impact these encounters can have, making people's lives better. They are skilled at pitching the session to each audience which gives every ZooLab session a personal touch. Residential & Dementia Care Homes SEN/ASN Homes Animal Therapy In Action 'Becoming a dementia friend has encouraged me to ask the residents questions about the animals to draw on their past experiences. Cognitive stimulation is important for people with dementia' Georgie Jeffries, ZooLab Senior Presenter Workshops Animal Mix During this fun and informative session, participants will get Introduced to 6 members of the ZooLab animal team. It is fun, informative and full of animal facts. Get ready to be amazed, educated and inspired by our creepy crawlies as we bring the rainforest to you! ​ ​ Journey Through The Rainforest Residents go on a journey through the rainforest - with real rainforest animals and a presenter who knows the rainforest inside out! It’s all about experiencing the drama of the rainforest - from the dark forest floor to the dizzy heights of the emergent layer! ​ Senses and Textures Our most popular animal therapy session! Having a ZooLab animal therapy creates a ‘real buzz’, with plenty of personal interaction and everyone getting a chance to handle and learn more about animals that range from tree frogs to snakes to giant millipedes and African land snails. It is a great chance to hear tales of animal behaviour, discover new things and interact with a real animal expert and their animals. ​ Animal Armchair Aerobics Animal Armchair Aerobics encourages gentle exercise from the comfort of your chair with ZooLab animals! Guided by your ZooLab Ranger and host of ZooLab animals, this workshop stimulates activity through animal-inspired chair-based movement. Residents will also learn interesting modern and historical facts about the animals they meet! ​ Minibeasts Residents get a fun introduction to invertebrates and classification. 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? ​ Animal Record Breakers For some it takes grit and determination to become a record breaker; and for others they’re oblivious! ZooLab’s Animal Record Breakers session features some of the best runners, jumpers and weightlifters on the planet! Let’s look at some of the phenomenal feats of nature that put them into the book of the best! ​ ​ ​ Myths and Legends All over the world there are extraordinary parables and fables about animals. Is there any truth in these ancient myths and legends? Or are they fictitious products of vivid imaginations? Join ZooLab as we explore some of the most amazing myths and legends from around the world - legends that may hold truths that can unlock the secrets of our amazing ZooLab animals. ​ ​ Seasonal Story Workshops Creepy Crawly Halloween Workshop In Person: 60 Mins Digital: 30 - 45 Mins ​ ZooLab presents this spook-tacular Halloween workshop! All Hallows' Eve has never been creepier or crawl-ier as your residents get to meet some of our amazing animals. The spookiness doesn't end there - why not cast a spell with your ZooLab Ranger who will be dressed up a witch or wizard. Witch, please! ​ Zola the Kind-hearted Elf In Person: 60 Mins Digital: 30 - 45 Mins ​ Join Zola the Elf on a wonderful Christmas adventure as we help her deliver presents to children all over the world. From Africa, to India and through America via Australia, we encounter a variety of fascinating creatures along the way! This is a special, festive workshop that focuses on the themes of selflessness, kindness, friendship and fun. As always, our presenters will attend in full festive costume! Have bed-bound residents? Ask Our Walkabout sessions where we visit residents with restricted movement Contact Us

Senses & Textures EYFS, KS 1; Early Years, First Stage KS 1. Ages 3 - 7 ​ ​ DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: We’re going to use our senses to meet our animal friends (except taste, please do not taste our animals! (yuck!)) and find out how they use their senses? How do they look, sound, smell and what they feel like? ​ Children get to explore and understand how animals use their senses within their habitats. How do animals perceive their surroundings and how well are their senses adapted to them? Children make hands-on discoveries of textures and senses in an animal handling experience that is suitable for everyone from new intake to SEN classes. Key Workshop Objectives: Define a humans 5 senses Discuss what animals look, sound, smell and feel like. Identify ZooLab’s animal’s senses Explain how animals use their senses within their habitats Includes: Free Printable Resources Animals often used in this workshop: Entertainment Animal requests will be accommodated where possible. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee attendance. Book Now! What are senses? Senses are how our bodies perceive of an external stimulus. Humans have five basic senses - sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch. The information gathered from the associated organ is sent to the brain to help us understand our environment and the world around us. ​ Our bodies are amazing! Did you know that it is thought that we could have around 21 senses? These include proprioception (space perception), equilibrioception (balance) and thermoception (temperature). Animals use senses to help them navigate their habitats. The use of senses differ between species to suit the environment that they are in - some rely on some senses more than others or have unique senses like the ability to see infrared and electric fields (how cool is that!?) CURRICULUM OUTCOMES ENGLAND CURRICULUM OUTCOMES SCOTLAND Looking for something different? Check out our full range of workshops! More Primary Workshops Customers also booked: Rainforest Adventurer More Information Habitats More Information ZooLab Environmental Time Machine More Information Minibeasts More Information

Biomimetics KS3, KS4; Third Stage, Fourth Stage. Ages 11 -17. ​ ​ DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: This fascinating session will look at a section of complex behaviours from the animal world including Batesian mimicry, parthenogenesis and camouflage! ​ What can humans learn from these marvels? Find out how nature-inspired solutions are influencing scientific, medical and engineering discovery. Key Workshop Objectives: ​ Explore Darwin’s theory of natural selection Examine ZooLab’s animal adaptations Outline mimicry and animal camouflage Define sexual selection in relation to natural selection Compare animal birthing methods to ensure success of survival Describe parthenogenesis Explore animal relationships, including Batesian mimicry and mutualistic relationships Discuss how animal adaptations influence biomimetics Includes: Free Printable Resources Animals often used in this workshop: Animal requests will be accommodated where possible. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee attendance. Book Now! What is adaptation? An adaptation is defined as an adjustment to an organism to make them better suited to an environment. Animals and plants have developed special characteristics to survive in their particular habitat. Adaptations include biological changes to body functions or structure, behavioural and physiological to change to meet the environment. ​ There are two different types of species - generalist and specialist: generalists are able to thrive in a wide variety of environmental conditions and the specialists can only thrive in a small variety. ​ Adaptations became widely discussed after Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace developed the theory of natural selection - i.e survival of the fittest, where the best adapted life forms survive and pass the most desirable characteristics to offspring. CURRICULUM OUTCOMES ENGLAND CURRICULUM OUTCOMES SCOTLAND Looking for something different? Check out our full range of workshops! More Secondary Workshops Customers also booked: Classification More Information Rainforest Unwrapped More Information Symbiosis More Information Human Impacts More Information

Events & Corporate Our hands-on animal encounters are bespoke to your venue and guests. They are the perfect tool to engage audiences of all ages in small intimate workshops or as a large stage show. CASE STUDIES: WIMBLEDON MUSEUM NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM GREENWICH THEATRE EAST KILBRIDE Get up-close and hands-on We aim to educate, amaze and inspire the next generation to explore the big subjects of biodiversity and the environment. We have over 20 years experience We offer a tried and trusted product which we’ve evolved over 20 years. We are continually revising and developing all of our workshop experiences to make them as relevant as possible. We are an ethical organisation The welfare of our animals is paramount. They are healthy, happy and well-adjusted and we always encourage them to display their natural behaviours. All our Rangers are Licensed professionals. Perfect for multiple bookings Our nationwide coverage means that we’re perfect for block bookings at multiple UK sites! Weather permitting, we can work both inside or out. No hassle, no fuss. We make it work. "The session was a huge success. The animals really helped bring our story to life and gave our visitors an experience they are unlikely to forget” We've worked with... Meet the team! Our presenting team work within a variety of settings and adapt each session to suit the audience. Meet our gang! Welcome to Nature Town! It's a very diverse place with lots of different residents. Meet the animals! It doesn't matter whether you like them to crawl or slither - check out our menagerie. See our Workshops! Get up-close and hands-on with our exciting animal handling workshops. Check them out!. NEW FOR 2023! Let your visitors go wild and explore your location with our new Adventure Trail! Guests follow the self-guided route around the grounds and inside your venue as they discover our exotic ZooLab animal characters. Our bespoke venue map offers fun facts and historical information about each stop whilst making the most of what your site has to offer. Our exciting and interactive resource packs allow participants to explore and learn through play, puzzles and art. Our Adventure trail can be adapted to fit every venue and our resource packs and maps are co branded with your logo and tailored specifically to your location. Let your guests explore with our NEW Adventure Trail. Adventue Trails A ZooLab presenter will gather information to make your venue specific map and resources. We will launch the Adventure Trail with a live animal handling session at your venue. Your presenter will help you set up your trail and ensure you have printed all the correct resources. You're all set! Let the public go on a self-lead WILD adventure around your site. The fun doesn't end when your visit is over; a ll our workshops come with a FREE fun resource pack! Check out our Resources!