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The Future Zoo project at Blackpool Zoo has been awarded Gold statusThe Future Zoo project at Blackpool Zoo has been awarded Gold status
The Future Zoo project at Blackpool Zoo has been awarded Gold status

A programme which has inspired teenagers to study for careers working with animals has scooped a coveted national award.

Future Zoo, which enables schoolchildren to gain work experience at Blackpool Zoo, has been given a gold medal by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums after exceeding its own expectations.

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The scheme, organised by Future U in conjunction with the zoo and Myerscough College, gave pupils from across Lancashire the chance to learn about wildlife conservation and the variety of jobs available in zoology via further education.

One of the young people working on the Future Zoo scheme at Blackpool ZooOne of the young people working on the Future Zoo scheme at Blackpool Zoo
One of the young people working on the Future Zoo scheme at Blackpool Zoo

In total, 145 students have taken part in the three-day sessions, some of whom had never visited a zoo before.

They have covered a range of topics from about identifying species, improving habitats and enclosures to research and animal training.

As a direct result, more than half of the students said they were more likely to apply for further education when they left school.

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Judges were impressed with the take up and praised the programme for its “capacity to truly change the lives of students by raising their aspirations and improving their emotional wellbeing.”

Theo Blackburn, programme manager, at Future U said: "Future Zoo has offered pupils an incredible opportunity to learn and experience what a career at a zoo might entail, from zookeeping to conservation.

"The experiences the zoo offered, including feeding giraffes and zebras, and getting up close with elephants, were unforgettable and a first for many of the pupils.

"The team at Blackpool Zoo were inspirational and many of the pupils have commented on how much they appreciated the trip and are now considering a career working with animals in the future.”

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Rebecca Reynolds, head of education at Blackpool Zoo, said they were thrilled with accolade and added: "Not only is it testament to the incredible work carried out by the teams at the zoo and our partner organisations, but it is also a tribute to the wonderful attitudes of every single young person that participated.

"The students relished the learning opportunities on offer to them, they were inspired by real life conservation stories and enthusiastic to learn about animals and their welfare.

"Our research also highlighted that green space and connection with animals had a positive effect on their mental health and sense of wellbeing.”

Rebecca added" Important life skills were also taken from the course, which are vitally important for young people as they prepare to progress further into education or employment.

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"The results far exceeded our expectations as we aimed for 25 per cent of students to have raised aspirations, this figure increased to over 90 per cent, which is fantastic."

Jackie Hough from Myerscough College said: " The college has worked in partnership with Lancashire Future Ufor some years and has a long history of collaboration with Blackpool Zoo, so we are delighted to see the Future Zoo project winning a BIAZA Gold Award.

"To work on this collaborative project is so rewarding, as you get to see the difference 'real life' experiences can have on young people and their employability skills and aspirations."

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