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Chilean rose tarantula Grammostola rosea Classification: Arachnid Previous Lifespan: Females live round 20 years. Males live around 2-4 years ​ Size: Maximum of around 6 inches in length ​ Threats: Birds, reptiles, mammals ​ Distribution: Native to Chile ​ Habitat: Desert and scrub habitats ​ Appearance: The overall color is brown to black with rose-hued hair on the hard-shell upper body. A tarantulas fangs fold under the body, meaning that it must strike downward to impale its prey ​ Diet & Feeding: Nocturnal predator of small arthropods. Prey is injected with venom and enzymes that begin breaking it down into ingestible fluids ​ Social Behaviour: They live solitary lives in small underground burrows ​ Males and females: The female is often bigger than the male and also tends to be more aggressive ​ Lifespan: 15-20 years ​ Number of young: The female produces large egg sacs, usually containing in excess of 500 eggs. The female will carry the egg sack under her body protecting it until the eggs have hatched ​ Interesting fact: Unlike other most other spiders, tarantulas do not catch prey in webs. They stalk and attack their prey similar to a jaguar Next

Emily Lethbridge ZooLab Ranger Emily joined ZooLab in 2022 and works in Bristol and the surrounding areas. Licence Number: 401130 Experience: Emily has a BSc Zoology degree and gained hands on experience whilst at uni though volunteering at wildlife sanctuaries. She also used to be a rock climbing instructor, so has got teaching experience working with people of all ages! About: "I love working for ZooLab because it's the best of both worlds! Teaching AND animals. I love that it's all about education, spreading the word about the importance of these animals and how we can protect them is something I'm very passionate about. I also, love visiting care homes because I used to do care work. My favourite ZooLab animals are the snails. Their eyes droop when they are happy and I think it's really cute." Interesting Fact: Aside from being a ZooLab presenter and a rock climber, Emily is also an artist! Her favourite subject to paint is wildlife and pets portraits. We can't wait to see some of her ZooLab animals featuring in her next painting! Previous Next

Next Speedy The Snail EYFS, KS 1. Early Years, First Stage. Ages 1 - 5 DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: A story-based active-learning workshop for younger children lets them contribute to a story whilst acting out dialogue with movement and mime. We follow Speedy the Snail’s journey through the jungle and across a number of habitats. They also get to be up-close and hands-on with some ZooLab animals getting to compare the senses and textures and think about how different animals are adapted to different environments. Learning Outcomes Learning about different animal habitats with Speedy the Snail, as he goes on his adventure. 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 Why learn through storytelling? Using storytelling as a mechanism in teaching involves structuring learning around a narrative. It helps children (and adults) make sense of issues and topics by engaging them in a story, making facts easier to remember and participants more open to learning. ​ The benefits of learning through storytelling does not stop at increasing knowledge of the subject area - storytelling encourages creativity, expands vocabulary, increases attention span and helps to reinforce morals. 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 Check out our workshops Our educational workshops hit curriculum outcomes Meet the Rangers We've got the best bunch! Which Ranger will visit you?

Emily Lewis ZooLab Ranger Emily joined ZooLab in 2022 and works in Loughton and surrounding areas. Licence Number: LN/000005641 Experience: Before ZooLab Emily studied towards a life working with animals! In college, she gained a higher national diploma in Animal Management and in University, a BSc (HONS) degree in Zoology. She has also done conservation work in Tenerife and South Africa. About: “ I really appreciate the opportunity to work with incredible animals every day. I also really enjoy seeing people's faces light up and inspiring the next generations about how important wildlife and conservation are. My favourite ZooLab animal would have to be my corn snake - Korn! He's a rescue snake; unfortunately, his body is quite misshapen, due to incorrect care given by his previous owners. This doesn't hold him back - he is super friendly and very inquisitive. Children often ask why he looks the way he does, which helps raise the children's awareness about the importance of animal care, welfare and rescue." Interesting Fact: Emily is also a concert queen and has seen over 150 bands live! Rock On! Previous Next

Next The Zagaro EYFS, KS 1; Early Years, First Stage KS 1. Ages 1 - 5 DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: Our rat protagonist meets a host of ZooLab’s weird and wonderful animals and uses their characteristics to create an imaginary monster. Spoiler ahead - at the end of the story we find out the Zagaro is real, much torats surprise! Our story-based workshops are sure to engage and entertain through our Rangers acting out the story and by getting the children on their feet and moving about! We bring this classic tale to life, adding an extra dimension and sense of excitement through our live animal interaction. Learning Outcomes Based on children’s book (The Gruffalo). Uses repetition and rhyme to introduce animals. 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 Why learn through storytelling? Using storytelling as a mechanism in teaching involves structuring learning around a narrative. It helps children (and adults) make sense of issues and topics by engaging them in a story, making facts easier to remember and participants more open to learning. ​ The benefits of learning through storytelling does not stop at increasing knowledge of the subject area - storytelling encourages creativity, expands vocabulary, increases attention span and helps to reinforce morals. 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 Check out our workshops Our educational workshops hit curriculum outcomes Meet the Rangers We've got the best bunch! Which Ranger will visit you?

Classification (Secondary) KS 2, 3; Second, Third, Fourth Stage. Ages 7 - 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. Animals used in this workshop Key Workshop Objectives Explain the concept of classification Discuss the differences between living and non-living Discuss how animals are grouped into invertebrates and vertebrates Explore different clades of animals Curriculum Outcomes England & Wales Curriculum Outcomes Scotland This workshop includes FREE RESO URCES! Book Now! 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. "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!

Anna French ZooLab Ranger Anna joined ZooLab in 2017 and works in Hampshire and the surrounding areas. ​ Licence Number: TVBC/TAE/2022/04 ​ Experience: Anna has an undergraduate degree in Biology and a Masters degree in Wildlife Management and Conservation. ​ About: “I love teaching children about the natural world and how cool animals are. I hope my work with ZooLab will inspire some of them to work with animals in the future. I also get to speak with a lot of teachers and administrators, and I love to hear how they have made a difference in other people’s lives. ​ My favourite ZooLab animal is Norbert, the leopard gecko. He is extremely laid back and is such a cutie - definitely one of the kids’ favourites too!” ​ Interesting Fact: Anna is originally from the suburbs of Chicago. Growing up in a big city inspired her to study wildlife and conservation. Previous Next

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 outhow 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. Animals used in this workshop 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 Curriculum Outcomes England & Wales Curriculum Outcomes Scotland This workshop includes FREE RESO URCES! 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 coolis that!?) "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!

Classification KS 2, 3; Second, Third, Fourth Stage. Ages 7 - 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 in which introduces ZooLab animals that include vertebrates and invertebrates. Pupils explore different classes of animal so they can uncover their differences and similarities themselves. Animals used in this workshop Key Workshop Objectives • Explain the concept of classification • Discuss the differences between living and non-living • Discuss how animals are grouped into invertebrates and vertebrates • Explore different clades of animals Curriculum Outcomes England & Wales Curriculum Outcomes Scotland This workshop includes FREE RESO URCES! Book Now! 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. "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!

ZET KS 2, 3; Second Stage, Third Stage. Ages 8 - 14 DURATION: 45 mins - 55 mins ​ OVERVIEW: ZooLab’s new climate workshop joins Z.E.T.; an environmental time machine that travels through time looking at climate data. Z.E.T. addresses topics such as fossil fuels, greenhouse gases, sea ice depletion, rainforest coverage and animal extinctions. Comparing data from different eras allows students to form a direct comparison between human behaviour and climate change. Learning Outcomes All children will understand that the climate crisis has been and is escalating. All children will have an idea of actions to help the environment. Most children will understand that there are links between the elements measured when looking at climate change. Some children will be able to explain some of these links. 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 Why learn about the climate? Climate change is generally defined as a significant variation of average weather conditions such as conditions becoming warmer, wetter, or drier over several decades or more. It’s these longer-term trends that differentiates climate change from natural weather variability. This workshop provides a comprehensive look at the long-term changes in the earth’s atmosphere, oceans, land surfaces, and cryosphere (frozen water systems). Discover what caused these changes and what lessons can we learn from the past and apply to the future to help reverse the climate change process. 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?

Giant African land snail Achatina fulica Classification: Gastropod Previous Lifespan: 6-10 years ​ Threats: Hermit crab, coconut crab and some bird species ​ Distribution: East Africa ​ Habitat: Forest floor ​ Appearance: Giant African land snails can grow up to 12 cm in length and weight up to 600 g. They can be identified by their mottled brown, conical-shaped shells which have vertical stripes and a yellow foot ​ Diet & Feeding: Leaf litter ​ Social Behaviour: Giant African land snails are nocturnal, moving around at night to feed. With the exception of mating, snails spend much of their time alone ​ Males and females: The giant African land snails are hermaphrodite which means that they have both male and female the reproduction organs ​ Number of young: They lay about 200 eggs ​ Interesting fact: Giant African land snails can drastically reduce its metabolism and survive for a few months or even a few years without food Next

Asian Forest Scorpion Heterometrus Spinifer Classification: Arachnid Previous Lifespan: 6 - 8 years ​ Threats: Loss of habitat. Some species of spiders, birds, bats, parasitic wasps, centipedes, lizards and even other scorpions ​ Distribution: India to Malaysia ​ Habitat: Rainforest ​ Appearance: Dark blue or bright black color with some areas in brown and a gritty texture ​ Diet & Feeding: Feeds on insects, arthropods, and small invertebrates ​ Social Behaviour: The Asian forest scorpion does not live socially ​ Males and females: Differences between male and females are often extremely subtle ​ Number of young: 15 - 40 ​ Interesting fact: Pain-wise, it’s sting has been likened to that of a bee and some people may have an allergic reaction to the venom Next