animal visits to schools somerset

We have lots of lovely bunnies and guinea pigs looking for new homes. All of our animals deserve a second chance and a family to call their own. Our rabbits are health checked, neutered and vaccinated before they leave us and we offer life-long support should you need it. If you have space in your home for a couple of extra residents, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We have bunnies and guinea pigs of all shapes and sizes so hopefully have the right match for your family!

Pet Services

To help fund the rescue, we offer boarding for small animals (e.g. rabbits and guinea pigs) while you go on holiday. All animals are kept in minimum 6ft hutches overnight with access to runs on grass in a secure paddock during the day. We also offer various dog walking and pet sitting services. We can easily adapt our care to suit your pet's needs and are happy to give medication, etc. Our boarding spaces fill up fast - particularly in school holidays - so please get in touch soon! Please visit www.furlockholmes-services.co.uk to find out more about our second business and how it fundraises for the rescue.

Animal Visits

We take our specially-trained team of rabbits and guinea pigs (and occasionally ponies, ferrets, bantam chickens, snails and more) into nursing homes, schools and other residential/day care places. During an animal visit session, participants are able to have a small animal on their lap for handling. They are encouraged to interact with the animal and groom/feed/talk to the animal and we find this is incredibly beneficial for all participants. As well as this, we offer educational visits to schools and groups.

We are looking for homes...

Your generosity and kindness allows us to continue our work, what people say.

"We adopted Jasmine from Furlock over a year ago now as a friend for the boy we already had. Eleanor was really helpful with everything we needed to know, and with helping us find a bunny that Dude would get on with, was the right age, and would be happy as an indoor rabbit. She also bonded them for us over a few nights, which we really appreciated as we were worried about doing it ourselves! Jasmine was neutered and fully vaccinated when we got her, and was really healthy and happy. Would definitely adopt from her in the future and highly recommend them!"

— Sarah (adopted Jasmine), May 2020

Coming up...

Interaction with animals has many benefits, influencing not just our happiness, but our health too. Our team of specially-selected animals has visited many organisations including care homes, SEN groups, hospitals, nurseries, schools, libraries and even a church! Over the past years, research has shown that animals have the ability to decrease blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression and encourage relaxation. Interaction with animals can include watching them, stroking them, feeling the different textures of the fur and feathers, holding them on your lap, feeding them, grooming them, listening to them and so much more! We have had the amazing opportunity to experience first-hand how beneficial interaction with animals can be. One of the most frequent places we visit is Nursing Homes. We love to see the residents becoming animated and smiling as they tell us stories of pets they once had and experiences they've shared with animals. In homes specialising in dementia care, residents show compassion and tenderness towards the animals which is very heart warming to see. Children and adults who normally struggle to engage have been seen chatting away to the animals and we find this incredibly rewarding work.

Our Animal Team

We choose our animal-visiting team very carefully and, over the years, have established a group of confident, human-orientated animals who absolutely love what they do! Our animal team includes rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, a ferret, a degu, bantam chickens (and sometimes chicks), ducks (and sometimes ducklings) and even a couple of Miniature Shetland ponies. The majority of animals we use are rescues and they each have a story behind them.

During the visits, the welfare of our animals is always our priority and we will only do what we feel they can manage. The animals chosen have shown to particularly enjoy the visits and we feel they can benefit just as much as the human participants!

What are the benefits of Animal Visits?

Animal Assisted Therapy...

It has been proven that animals can lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health and release endorphins which have a calming effect. As well as the physical benefits, pets can also reduce depression, decrease feelings of isolation, encourage communication and participation, decrease anxiety and boredom and also provide comfort.

Education...

We are very keen on promoting animal welfare and one of our aims is to educate the public on the correct way to care for pets - in particular, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Where can our Animal Visits take place?

​We take our team of animals into residential homes, nursing homes, special needs schools, mainstream schools, hospitals, hospices, care homes, organisations (e.g. Brownies, Scouts), day care centres and we are often able to visit people in their own homes. As well as this, we encourage people to come to our location if this is more suitable as a wider range of animals can be seen, including ponies and chickens. We are also able to attend private events and parties.

Our only requirements are:

Enough space for the animal pen

You are within a reasonable distance of Whitchurch, Hampshire

Outside space OR easy-to-clean floors (for poultry)

A first aider is present.

What happens during an Animal Visit?

During an animal visit session, participants are able to have a small animal on their lap. They are encouraged to interact with the animal and we are able to bring grooming brushes, vegetables, toys and harnesses to help participants engage in the session. As well as this, the animals can just be cuddled and stroked for enjoyment as this in itself is a great form of therapy!

For some groups and organisations we visit, we give talks and explain what our charity does, why animals need rescuing and we tell some of the stories of our visiting animals.

We offer a unique and fascinating group activity for adventurous and inquisitive children, that is educational and a fun, interactive learning experience in a classroom environment! Our animal handling workshops can be tailored to suit your needs and requirements, and are available for all age groups.

Reptiles. For. Schools

Covering schools and colleges around Gloucestershire, Worcestershire, Bristol, South Wales, Somerset and all the way across to London, our educational animal workshops capture the imagination of students and allow them to interact with some of the world's most fascinating animals including friendly snakes, lizards, tortoises, tarantulas, scorpions and frogs. Learn about these amazing creatures whilst having fun! Education is a very important part of what we do, and our workshops are designed to be a fun, interactive classroom experience, fitting in with needs of the national curriculum and specific school projects.

Our animal handling workshops are suitable for all age groups, and cover important environmental and biological subjects such as 'Animals of the Rainforest', 'Animals and Habitats' and 'Minibeasts', or can even simply be a fun handling experience as a treat for your hard-working class! 

All of the animal species we use are carefully chosen to allow the children to hold, touch and get up-close and personal with, whilst being taught fun and interesting facts about each one!

We are fully insured, DBS-checked and have risk assessments available for your piece of mind.

School sessions are available as single one-hour interactive encounters for a class, to full days conducting multiple encounters for different groups. Prices start from just £120 per hour, and discounts are available for multiple boookings. Get in touch by emailing [email protected] for more details!

Animal encounters for schools in Gloucester, Bristol, Cheltenham, Stroud, Bristol

Reptile visits for schools

[email protected]

01324 667330.

We amaze, educate and inspire through our ethical and engaging animal encounters. 

Our ZooLab presenters and animal teams work closely with early years, schools, businesses and in the care sector to achieve learning and wellbeing outcomes.

We engage with people in an informative way through our unique animal workshops.

Our workshops are safe and easy to book. Our professional customer service team are happy to discuss the best options for you.

Whether booking a face to face or digital experience  ZooLab makes learning fun.​

Find out more.

We're the UK’s #1 for ethical animal encounters 

“We were SO impressed with Eleanor! She kept a challenging class completely hooked and was clearly extremely knowledgeable about the animals. The children LOVED the experience and haven't stopped speaking about it."

Hutton Cranswick Community Primary School

Educational Workshops

Whether you're a young person or a young adult, we tailor our curriculum based workshops to your specific educational needs and requirements. 

Animal Therapy

Our Animal Therapy sessions promote mental wellbeing and can be used in a wide range of settings. We tailor each session to fit the audience we're presenting to. 

Pupil referral units

Exam stress busters

Staff wellbeing sessions.

Events and Corporate

Our hands-on animal encounters are bespoke tailored to your staff and clients. We can provide entertainment for a conference or even run an entire event ourselves!

Events & Parties

Corporate Entertainment

School Clubs

Summer Camps

Online & International

ZooLab is a fully interactive learning experience which offers flexibility, accessibility and a unique and an effective learning experience - no matter where in the world you are!

International Programmes

Digital Learning

Library Sessions

After School Clubs

Meet Our Team!

Before your visit, we'd love you to meet our ZooLab Rangers and their animals. 

ZooLab's passionate presenting team are skilled at working within a variety of settings and adapt each session to suit the age and ability of the audience.

Whether used as a therapy or teaching tool, ZooLab's unique style allows participants to find their confidence at their own pace and gain a great deal from the animal encounter both online or face to face.

FREE  RESOURCES!

Each workshop comes with a FREE dedicated resource pack including worksheets and support materials to continue the fun after your session.

Welcome to Bugfest

Education...Fascination...Inspiration...

Because the earth matters., bugfest is the uk’s leading entomological experience and entertainment provider..

We can offer a great many ways to bring the world of natural history and exotic animals to you. With a wide variety of service options and packages, we have something for everyone.

Our school visits are the best interactive learning experience in the world.

Save hundreds of pounds and weeks of planning and headaches and booking coaches for a zoo trip. Let Bugfest bring the exotics to you instead.

We have been visiting youth groups across all spectrums for ten years.

Bugfest has been visiting child, youth and SEN groups all over the region for years. Some of our team have taught and worked in the youth age groups for twenty years.

We have the best party packages to entertain your friends and family.

Very much copied, but never surpassed, the Bugfest parties are unbeatable, and will leave lifelong memories of an amazing time had by all.

We are building a new website with it’s own built in social media community.

We are building a more powerful feature packed website.

You will be able to make groups, forums, chat and message each other from within it. Even buy and sell your livestock without getting a Facebook ban.

Visit www.bugfest.co.uk to see more.

We have been visiting care provisions since we started up.

We have visited care homes ever since Bugfest started.

We love supporting community events big and small.

Bugfest has a large team of staff and volunteer handlers, who like to help out at community events. We have enough resources to be out at two separate events at the same time.

We have the experience and capacity for major events and festivals.

Bugfest is renowned for delivering spectacular festival content. We can bring a large team of handlers who will bring a little of the wild world to add extra sparkle to your public events.

Holiday Park Entertainment

Bugfest enjoys the enviable privilege of being the trusted exotic animal entertainment for some of the UK’s leading holiday park companies.

Bugfest delivers bespoke sessions, that are directly linked to your curriculum areas, such as:

Rain forests

Eco-systems

Endo/exo-skeletons

Humans and animals

Christian values and ethos respected and supported

Full risk assessments available

New enhanced Teacher’s DBS check for 2018

Ten Million employer’s and public liability cover

Take a look at the  Bug Visits to Schools page to find out more

Bugfest uses modern and emerging technology.

We are using HD cameras that we can plug into your projector for extra close up images, and deliver a world-class learning experience for your children.

Detailed covid risk assessment, public liability insurance and enhanced supply teaching DBS certificate available on request.

If you are too far away, we can also provide you with a virtual on-line visit from our very own, purpose built Bugfest studio, with supporting teaching and learning resources at reduced rates of £100 per hour. Book a whole day of five sessions for £60 per session (£300) and save £100 off the price of a normal full day visit.

Please email us for more info about our virtual lessons.

Get in touch now

We are available every day of the week, up and down the country for birthdays, festivals, events, care home and school visits and more.

We have just had an awesome, amazing Zoom visit from Nick at Bugfest to launch our ‘predator’  topic. Covid had put a stop to his planned visit into school but it really felt that he and his incredible bugs were ‘up close’ in our classroom.The children were hooked from the first minute to the last. Nick has an encyclopedic knowledge of all of his collection of bugs and a fantastic way of delivering his expertise, knowledge and love of these creatures to the children.It was the perfect way to hook the children into predators and they haven’t stopped talking and learning about them since. Thank you Nick.

I just wanted to say a massive thank you again, for visiting The Milestone last week and giving our children such a wonderful experience, to commence their topic this term.

Thanks again and our senior department are now interested too …!

I wanted to share some quotes, from teachers, with you:

Thank you for organising the Bug Fest talk yesterday.  Four of our Squirrel pupils managed to access it.  They sat beautifully, showed fantastic observation skills and were really gentle with the animals.  The gentleman who delivered the session pitched it perfectly for our pupils.

Otter Class absolutely loved Bug Fest! They loved hearing about the bugs protected themselves and about their bodies and skin. Some of the class really enjoyed holding and touching the bugs – I think some would have even held the spider if they were allowed! 

Nick was very engaging and made the children laugh. The use of the projector was very helpful and showed the children was these creatures used to look like thousands of years ago! I think they could have been there all morning   

Pheasant class we able to fully access the presentation and it was arguably the best thing they have attended during since September.  We only had one child who did not want to hold the bugs and she chose to watch on from the side.  The other seven loved holding, and looking at, the bugs.  It was an amazing experience for them (and the adults too!).

After months of waiting to find out how we did, the results are in.

It’s official, best uk educational visit provider 2023.

We are so happy to be recognised as the UK’s best educational visit provider 2023 in the SME UK Enterprise Awards .

Well done to every member of the team who has worked so hard to grow and build Bugfest and it’s reputation; an exciting future awaits.

Privacy Policies and Terms.

Please read and understand the terms and conditions of the use of this website. You will find these by following the links below.

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Contact details

07976169084

Contact us on our form

Office Hours

Monday to Friday: 09:00-21:00 Saturday: 09:00-17:00 Sunday: 10:00-16:00

Please note that these hours are a guide only, availability to take calls may vary depending on bookings and attendances.

In all instances we recommend you contact us via our contact form.

A mobile farm visit to your school, pre-school or nursery has a lower environmental impact and much easier to organise than a coach trip out. During these hard financial times you will also find the cost of our visit will be more economical for parents.

We can bring to life so many aspects of the national curriculum and engage the pupils in a very short time. We have a range of accredited lesson plans which we can deliver. We are also happy to structure the animal encounters to bring to life any particular subjects you may be teaching.

We are also happy to structure the animal encounters to bring to life any particular subjects you may be teaching.

School Visits 

Save the cost and worry of a coach trip, let us bring all the enjoyment and experience of the farm to you.

• We can provide a memorable interactive and educational farm visit to your school or nursery.
• We offer children the chance to see, touch and learn first hand about animals in structured encounter sessions, suitable for all ages and abilities.
• Each visit can incorporate different activities to suit your requirements to support and bring to life areas of the school curriculum and preschool learning.
• We can offer a full set of risk assessments for all the interactions and are fully insured with the NFU for all of our activities.

Pre-Schools and Nurseries

With our extensive experience gained from having visited many pre-school and nurseries we realize that there is ‘no set’ formula for a successful visit from Farms2ewe. We are happy For example; some clients are looking at certain themes such as movement, songs, rhymes, and lifecycles. Some prefer presentation and discussion, others like free flow activity. We will discuss your aims and objectives for the visit with you to ensure the time we have with you is optimized. 

For bookings within a one hours travelling time from our farm location we can offer you;

• Half Day Booking 9.30am until 12pm
• Full Day Booking 9.30am until 2.30pm (may decrease to 10am – 2pm if a larger distance (an hours lunch break for us and the animals is taken at a suited time on full day visits)

Booking Options

The Complete Farm Our most popular set up, this is ideal for a full representation of a ‘farm’ in your location. With this animal team we are able to generate a lot of discussion and activity directly associated with the animals and farming. The age of animals we bring is of course seasonal, but we will ensure a full and interesting range at any time of the year. 

NB  This will arrive in a large truck and livestock trailer 

Package includes:

• Pygmy Goats
• Bottle Lambs*
• Miniature Pony or Donkey
• Ducklings & Goslings*,

These animals will all be housed in safe secure pens. *  Denotes when in Season

Small animal encounter This package is really designed for locations where parking is restricted or for indoor presentations. It works well for inner city locations. If we are to be set up indoors please let us know in advance so we can bring floor coverings, appropriate equipment and animals. 

• Guinea Pigs
• Small Poultry
• Rabbits and when in season lambs or goat kids

All of these will be housed in coops.

*  Denotes when in Season

• PETTING ZOOS
• FOR SCHOOLS
• FOR SENIORS

Animal Encounters and Petting Zoos for Schools

Encounters for the classroom.

LOOKING FOR EDUCATIONAL AND FUN ANIMAL EXPERIENCES FOR YOUR SCHOOL?  WE'RE A FIELD TRIP THAT COMES TO YOU- NO BUS REQUIRED!

We provide innovative enrichment programs for preschool, K-6 and older children in a variety of settings including public and private schools, pods, micro-schools, homeschool centers, summer camps and more. All animals are presented in a kind, non-threatening manner. Contact with animals, when school-approved, is never mandatory. Students are required to wash or sanitize hands before and after touching animals.

Our presenters are dynamic, knowledgeable and safety-conscious. We tailor each presentation to the needs of the educator, presenting relevant and age-appropriate content in a dynamic, interactive and entertaining manner that reinforces curricula and helps generate STEM interest among students.  

We are USDA licensed, APHIS inspected, and insured. We carefully follow all regulations and guidelines for exhibiting animals, and are happy to work with parents or school administrators to address any concerns or school-specific policies that may exist. Certificate of Insurance (COI) provided upon booking if desired.

Have special needs students? Let us know so we can modify our presentation to meet their needs and abilities!

ENCOUNTERS PROGRAM RATES FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SCHOOL CLASSROOMS, ASSEMBLIES, AND SUMMER CAMPS:

$385 1st hour, $150 per additional 1/2 hour (ALL ENCOUNTERS PROGRAMS)

Travel charge: .95/mile (Travel distance is calculated using Google Maps and is based on a round trip from south Issaquah, WA 98027).  

50% non-refundable deposit required at booking.  Balance due on or before day of event. 

Classroom programs can vary in price depending on your needs and numbers of students. Hands-on school encounters are for 15 children or less in a session. Sessions can be 20-60 minutes with a 5-10 minute transition between sessions. For larger groups wanting a hands-on experience, we can add an additional presenter for a fee. Don't see exactly what you're looking for? Customized programming is available- we'll work with you to tailor a great fit.

ANIMALS LISTED ARE FOR 60 MINUTE PROGRAMS. 30 MINUTE PROGRAMS MAY HAVE AN ALTERED ANIMAL LIST TO FIT INTO SHORTENED TIME PERIOD.

NEW programs added for 2024!

NOCTURNAL WONDERS- NEW

Want to know more about night creatures? This program will explore, how when the sun goes down, some of the world's most amazing animals not only survive but thrive in darkness!

Program animals include: Dumeril's ground boa, nine-banded armadillo, sugar glider and hedgehog,  Also included are two animals that fluoresce (glow in the dark under UV blacklight) the short-tailed opossum and scorpion!

PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE- NEW

This program focuses on the characteristics of different habitats and how animals survive in them. Meet a prehensile tailed skink from an island rainforest, bearded dragon from the desert, tortoise from the grasslands, chinchillas from the mountains, African pygmy hedgehog or African crested porcupine from the savanna and hognose snake from the forest.

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AUSTRALIAN ANIMALS 

Studying Australia? We provide reinforcing content through interactions with a variety of amazing animals. We touch on geography, habitat, conservation and, especially, the incredible adaptations of animals found nowhere else. 

Includes: Bennett's Wallaby, Sugar Gliders, Blue Tongued Skink, Bearded Dragons, Frilled Lizard, Spotted Python, and Carpet Python.

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SOUTH AMERICAN ANIMALS

South America provides a diverse range of habitats for many unique inhabitants. Learn how animals survive in rainforests, deserts and mountain environments. Includes Nine-Banded Armadillo, Short tailed opossum, Chinchilla, Brazilian Rainbow Boa, Giant Red Tegu, Red-footed Tortoise, Chilean Rose-haired Tarantula.

What makes mammals unique?  We'll explore the diversity of mammals and how they care for their young.  Includes Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchillas, Bennett's Wallaby, Nine-Banded Armadillo.

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AMAZING ARTHROPODS (BUGS)!

Learn about adaptations, exoskeletons, defense mechanisms, and more! Many creatures can be held - all can be viewed close-up with lighted magnifiers (provided). See scorpions glow under a black light - an exciting and informative program!

Includes: Tarantula, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, Vinegaroon, Flat Rock Scorpion, Millipedes, Blue Death-feigning Beetles, Tanzanian Tailless Whipscorpions, and more! 

REPTILES AND MORE REPTILES

Our reptile program provides an educational and entertaining opportunity to interact with and study some amazing animals. All of our program animals are uniquely suited to being handled by children and exhibit excellent representations of the amazing adaptations and behaviors present in the reptile world.

Typically includes: 2 species of python, 2 species of boa constrictors, bearded dragons, blue tongued skink, monkey tailed skink and tortoise.

AMAZING ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS  

​Are your students studying how animal’s bodies and behavior uniquely help them to survive? We can bring a variety of creatures with some of the most amazing adaptations on the planet. This gives your students a chance to witness and interact with these animals up close and right in the classroom!

Includes: Giant Vinegaroon, Blue Tongue Skink, Nine Banded Armadillo, Brazilian Rainbow Boa, Bennett's Wallaby, hognose snake....  Animal line-up is flexible. 

FUR, FEATHERS AND SCALES

Why do animals have fur, feathers or scales?  Get up close to fascinating animals while learning about the role of animal coverings and discover some of the basic differences between mammals, birds and reptiles.  Includes Chinchilla, Short tailed opossum (a mammal who's fur fluoresces), Nine-banded Armadillo, Bearded Dragon, Python, Bantam Chicken and Tortoise.

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MAMMALS AND REPTILES

Why is one animal classified as a mammal and another a a reptile?  This program will have students interact with some fuzzy and scaly favorites to find out. Included are Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, Chinchilla, two species of lizards, two species of snakes and tortoise.

MOBILE PETTING ZOOS

Perfect for kids of preschool age and up, our mobile petting zoo is a great way to give students a hands-on experience with animals which emphasizes kindness and empathy.  We work in many settings, including public and private preschools, K-8 and high schools, day care centers, summer camps and more. Petting zoos can be held outdoors or inside and can be configured in many shapes and sizes. Our knowledgeable staff will share age-appropriate information about the animals and help children have safe, calm and positive animal interactions. Session lengths typically range from 10-20 minutes with 5 minute transitions. For Preschool and Kindergarten children we recommend 10 minute sessions. Ideal group size per session is 10-15 minutes  for school age children, 10 or less for younger kids.  

Our petting zoos include: Bennett's Wallaby, Patagonian Mara, Pygmy/Dwarf Goats, Rabbits and Bantam Chickens. Two or more handlers will work with your students to ensure everyone has a great time and provide age-appropriate information about the animals. We provide touch tables for our rabbits and chickens at child height for comfortable interactions. 

PETTING ZOO pricing is based on several factors.  Contact us for a quote today! One hour events start at $485 per hour.

50% non-refundable deposit required at booking.  Balance due on day of event. Travel charge: $.95/mile (distance calculated using Google Maps and based on a round trip from south Issaquah, WA 98027). 

   Our visit can range from an hour to all day. We'll work with your team to determine session lengths, group sizes, setup location, and other details. We'll be there rain or shine and our rates include canopies and lighting as needed. 

  We provide hand sanitizer and require all children to use sanitizer or wash hands before and after handling animals. Children with special needs are welcome- please let us know if they'll be participating so we can help ensure they have a great experience!

SCHOOL CARNIVAL OR OTHER LARGE EVENT?

    We provide petting zoos for many school carnivals, beginning/end of school year celebrations and de-stressing events for college students. Let us know what you're planning and we'll bring a fun and fantastic program! 

CONTACT US!

FOR BOOKING OR FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE FILL OUT OUR  CONTACT FORM ,

EMAIL [email protected]

OR CALL (425)647-6499 

See Our Reviews!

Animal Encounters

Issaquah, WA US

(425) 647-6499

Copyright © 2024 Animal Encounters - All Rights Reserved.

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Bringing Learning To Life

Animal Visits to Schools

Exotic Explorers provide fun, educational sessions to your primary or secondary school students, whether you would like an aid in teaching or an end of term treat. We also offer some more interaction-based experiences for nurseries and pre-school age.

Our interactive sessions can help support a number of topics in animal studies and fit in to the national curriculum , and the students will get a chance to see some of our amazing animals up close. Exotic Explorers Directors Ben and Puri bring decades of experience with them, so you can be confident that your students will receive the most accurate and relevant animal knowledge.

Subjects can include Classification, Minibeasts, Adaptations, Predators/Prey, Habitats and Nocturnal/Diurnal. Scroll down for more information.

We can also provide impressive flying displays and live training sessions to excite your students' imagination.

Fully licensed, insured and DBS checked.

LIMITED TIME OFFER: Pre-book your September sessions and get £100 off a full-day or £50 off a half-day! - Book by 23rd July 2023.

We work to the national curriculum. Subjects can include:

Classification.

Carnivores, herbivores and omnivores; vertebrates and invertebrates. Students will learn some amazing facts about animals and how we classify them.

Learn about the small and mighty. Making up approximately 97% of all living creatures, invertebrates are fascinating, and provide a plethora of important learning opportunities for children of all ages.

Adaptations

Learn how animals are adapted to survive. We take a close look at hunting methods, camouflage, extreme environments and more, to discover the captivating world of animal adaptations.

Life Cycles

Birth, growth, reproduction and death represent the four stages of the life cycle of all animals. We can show students how some of the more interesting creatures change over the course of their lives.

Predators/Prey

See how the predator-prey relationship maintains balance in their ecosystems. How prey is adapted to survive and how predators overcome some of the ingenious techniques.

Learn how animal habitats are as different as the animals that inhabit them. What makes them survive in these habitats and how we can protect them.

Nocturnal/Diurnal

Learn about the fascinating differences between animals active during the day and night. And let’s explore the window in-between together.

Living World

Our world is home to a diverse range of animals. Immerse yourself into this living world and learn about what makes it such an enchanting place.

Show 'n Tell

• 30 Minute Session*
• Up to 30 Students

Single Session

• 60 Minute Session
• 2x 60 Minute Sessions
• 4x 60 Minute Sessions

*This is a short session with limited contact, ideal for younger children.

Discounts available for multiple sessions booked on same day.

Mileage charged at 50p per mile.

Some of the many schools we have worked with include:

Testimonials

WOW These guys visited our school yesterday for our summer fair and I can honestly say this was absolutely brilliant. They had an amazing selection of diffrent animals and the children really enjoyed the up close interaction. The team gave all the kids lots of time to hold the snakes, ferrets, pygmy hedgehogs, fancy mice and their two gorgeous brother and sister barn owls (the stars of the show for me)! Lots of information and facts for children and parents. Brilliant day and a massive thank you for coming. See more

Victoria Walter School Summer Fair

Ben, Puri, Carol and a selection of their incredible animals visited our prep school today to deliver 4 sessions to Years 2-6 and we were absolutely thrilled with the experience. The whole team were so knowledgeable about the animals and everyone (including all of the teachers) learned so much from them. The animals were clearly well looked after and all 3 of the team obviously cared a lot about their welfare and made sure that all of them, and our children, were always comfortable. All of the children had a chance to handle the animals safely if they wanted to, and it was lovely that some of the animals were free to roam around the floor space rather than always being held and/or passed. They gave us so much information and were able to answer all of the weird and wonderful questions thrown at them by the children. And of course the whole team are so friendly and accommodating. Honestly I've seen a LOT of animal experiences in different settings in my time and yours was by far the most educational! And probably the best experience-wise in general as the children had so many opportunities to interact with the animals and just "be" with them and around them, rather than a stroke and move on. So glad that we came across Exotic Explorers and already looking ahead to when we can have them back! Thoroughly recommend. See more

Jo Georgiou Oaklands School

An amazing day with these guys. Our school children loved seeing the animals, and the team were amazing with the children.

Kirsty Cable School Group

We are a children’s day nursery and today Exotic Explorers came to visit us with their amazing animals. We did not really know what to expect but their visit far surpassed our expectations and they were so professional. They brought owls, snakes, bearded dragons and rabbits and took time to explain about the animals to our children and allowed them to touch them. The owl even flew in our nursery. We are definitely going to make this a regular visit. Thank you so much. See more

Julian Butler Children's Day Nursery

A huge thank you to Ben and Puri for an amazing day! All the children and adults had the best time. Ben and Puri are amazing with the children and it was a great educational and fun experience. The animals are beautiful and so well loved. I would highly recommend Exotic Explorers. Wish we could do this all over again.

Jenna Carrington Local Group

I had the best time ever! 10/10. Amazing from start to finish.

Stacy Ramsey Virtual Experience for a large group

Our Brownies were really thrilled with the experience and were engaged the whole time. The group chat was ongoing with interesting questions, and the parents all commented on the group too and were really pleased with the session!

Clare Buxton Virtual Experience for a Brownies group

1 Kensington Road Pilgrim's Hatch Brentwood Essex CM15 9LG

Ben: 07877 701461 Puri: 07561 074340 Email: [email protected]

• Our Animals
• School Sessions
• Higher Education
• Groups/Clubs

Services Cont.

• VIP Encounters
• Harry Potter Theme
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Welcome to Sam's Safaris

Founded in 2002 by Helen Duke, Sam's Safaris is an animal education company providing  amazing animal encounters with exotic and rare animals from all over the world. If you are looking for an unforgettable birthday party , inspirational school visit , interactive event attraction or a therapy handling session our special animal colleagues are always happy to engage and educate. We now have Video Call Sessions available, this means we can now cover the whole of the U.K.

Please feel free to take a look around, meet our animals , get to know the team and get in touch if you would like to find out more or book a truly magical animal experience!

Look - Touch - Learn

Educational workshops and events, children's parties and animals as therapy.

Meet rare and exotic invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals from around the world. We bring the animals to you! Suitable for ages 2 and upwards.

Meet Holiday!

The Animal Experience

Exceptional experiences at stretham.

Put yourself in this picture. Visit the Animal Experience and spend quality time with the meerkats, sugar gliders or reptiles in their purpose built enclosures at our base in Stretham, near Ely. Find out more

SENSATIONAL FOR SCHOOLS

Reptiles, Mini Beasts, Meerkats and more! Would YOUR School like a visit from The Animal Experience? Find out more

PERFECT FOR PARTIES & KIDS' CLUBS

Available for Children's Parties, Kids Clubs, Cubs, Scouts, Brownies and many others. Discounts for clubs and groups. Find out more

FANTASTIC FOR FUNCTIONS

The Animal Experience offers your guests the opportunity to get hands on with our wide range of rare and unusual animals. We have over 29 years of experience appearing at many different events from weddings and christenings through to corporate entertainment. Find out more

FUN FOR FETES AND FAIRS

Our range of animals will be a fascinating attraction whatever your event. Book our Petting Zoo , or tailor make a package to your requirements. All you need is to provide a room or we can supply our gazebo for an additional fee. Find out more

FILM & TELEVISION

All of our creatures may be booked for television and media work. They have appeared on the History Channel, Channel 4, Lion TV, Animal Planet, Granada Breeze, Blue Peter and more. We provide a qualified handler(s) for the day and specialise in hand tame creatures available to interact with props and actors as required.

"As a school we would like to thank you for your fantastic virtual sessions to end our half term. Kayleigh was very knowledgeable, engaging, professional and answered all of the questions from the pupils. We’ve had really positive feedback from students and parents saying how impressed they were with the visit. Quote from a pupil: Today, we had a wonderful visit with the Animal Experience. We saw 6 different animals in our session, which I really really enjoyed. They were so cute! I learnt lots of new animal facts and I would definitely recommend a virtual visit to anyone! I thought it was an amazing visit, I loved it!"

"I would HIGHLY recommend visiting the animal experience! We had the reptile & meerkats package and it was AMAZING!! The keepers are very knowledgable & informative on the creatures & the meerkat experience was probably one of the best things I've ever done! So worth it!! I want to go back!!"

"A huge thank you, pupils have been raving about you and your animals. A really worthwhile, educational experience …"

"Thank you for bringing the Reptile Experience back to our school. It was a fantastic success, as it was last year, and the students were talking about it days later. We hope to see you again in the future …" Impington Village College

"Without doubt the party was a great success due to the professionalism you showed, the knowledge of the reptiles and of course reading the reactions of the children. We will definitely book you again"

"Please could you pass on my thanks to Hazel and your daughter, they were fantastic on Friday. The event went really well, but the highlight was your animals!! Many thanks again." Fiona (Momentumevents.co.uk. Event for UKTV Eden Chanel at the Royal Opera House)

"Thank you very much for coming along to our féte - you and your animals were a great hit - we have some nice pictures of people holding the snake and water dragon and I loved meeting your meerkats. Whenever I passed you always had a crowd around your tent so I guess you had a good day! Thanks again for coming along and bringing such interesting creatures and allowing such close interaction with them." on behalf of Melbourn Village féte

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Ferne Animal Sanctuary

Wambrook, TA20 3DH

Description

Ferne Animal Sanctuary is set within 72 acres of beautiful & protected countryside, in the Blackdown Hills on the Devon/Somerset border. This charitable sanctuary takes in unwanted, abandoned and neglected animals and gives them a fantastic life either at the sanctuary or by finding them a special forever home.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Somerset  Is an almost unique working animal sanctuary offering rehoming to dogs, cats and horses; together with ongoing care and welfare to sheep, goats, cattle, pigs, geese, chickens and an aviary with dozens of birds from all over the world, rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, degus and ferrets!

Founded in 1939, at the breakout of WW2, in order to care for pets whose owners were going to war, or otherwise displaced by the conflict, the charity has links to HM Armed Forces and The Royal Family.

A typical visit would last 90-150 minutes during which, as well as seeing the animals enjoy their own habitat, there is a sensory garden with sounds, smells and mirror images to calm the senses; our Willow Walk with information on animal care; information boards about our water voles, dragonflies, nearby birds and fungi, and a small play area with climbing frames. Take time to simply enjoy the amazing Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is the Blackdown Hills; there are only 36 in England and 46 in the UK! Simply gaze across the hills and take time out, relax and marvel at nature at its’ best!

There are trails, activities and events throughout the year, the details are on our website. We open from 10-5 in the summer, close at dusk in the winter. Open 7 days a week, closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. We have a lovely café serving home cooked food and a gift shop to tempt you!

Dog friendly (keep on lead), fully accessible. All monies raised go to support our animal care and welfare.

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Opening hours, children & infants, establishment features, parking & transport, pet information, specialist features, travel & trade.

All major credit cards accepted

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Conference facilities

Dogs Accepted

Groups accepted

In countryside

On site parking

Parking (free)

Road Directions

Public transport directions.

Ferne Animal Sanctuary Wambrook Chard Somerset TA20 3DH United Kingdom

T: 01460 65214

E: [email protected]

W: ferneanimalsanctuary.org

Things to do!

Ferne Animal Sanctuary is set in 72 acres of countryside on the Devon/Somerset border.

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Welcome to the Somerset Council Outdoor Education Advice website

This website provides advice and guidance to schools and other education establishments on the planning, organisation and supervision of outdoor education and external visits. Somerset Council’s (SC) Outdoor Education Advisor is a full member of the Outdoor Education National Panel, from which much of the guidance has been adapted to reflect SC’s policies and procedures.

The content of this site is updated and maintained by the Corporate Health & Safety Unit of Somerset Council .

Latest News

No such thing as wet play! To see the article, please click here .

    To see the latest news articles on the Health & Safety Website please click on      this link: https://external.somerset.gov.uk/latest-news/  

   To see th e latest DofE Newsletter please click here .

Contact Us!

01823 355089

[email protected]

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Educational Mobile Animal Encounters

Visiting schools in herts, beds, bucks, cambs, east midlands & london.

We specialise in bringing a variety of friendly animals into schools , nurseries , children's centres and care homes , delivering a real hands-on educational, fun and extremely tactile experience for children and adults of all ages.

Our range of farm & small animal packages can all be tailored for your specific educational, project or event requirements. On a typical visit we will bring sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, cow or donkey and a farm dog along with any young they might have at that time.

We also have specific packages such as Autumn Animals or Nocturnal Animals that can be tailored for KS1 topics.

With the need to keep costs to a minimum and the administration involved in school visits our mobile farm provides a great alternative. Our educational packages include a written risk assessments, agreed lesson plans and all teachers pre & post visit support material.

We have £10million Public Liability Insurance Cover and our staff are DBS checked - copies of which are provided at the time of booking

Corporate Animal Therapy & Wellbeing Visits

According to a recent Deloitte Report, poor Mental Health costs UK businesses upto £56 billion per annum. Efforts by employers to improve mental wellbeing not only benefit employees themselves but may also reduce employment costs such as recruitment costs and provide broader societal benefits. Furthermore the 2022 Deloitte analysis revealed that employers that invest in mental health support of their workforce can make significant gains. The report found the case for employer investment was stronger than ever, with an average £5 return for every £1 spent on wellbeing support.. . Having a little time away from the desk doing something calming and fun can leave employees relaxed and refreshed, ready to return to their work duties. To make an enquiry please complete this form .

We specialise in bringing a variety of friendly farm animals into schools , nurseries , children's centres and care homes , delivering a real hands-on educational and tactile experience for children and adults of all ages.

With the need to keep costs to a minimum and the administration involved in school visits our mobile farm provides a great alternative. Our educational packages start from under £350 with a full day package, suitable for between 180 & 210 children, costing as little as £3.07 per child. This price includes a written risk assessments, agreed lesson plans and all teachers pre & post visit support material.

Our range of farm packages can all be tailored for your specific educational, project or event requirements. On a typical visit we will bring sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, a pony, cow or donkey and a farm dog along with any young they might have at that time.

Our Soft, Furry & Friendly Small Animal Encounters are ideal for smaller Nurseries and PreSchools. We will bring a selection of Bantam Chickens, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, a Pygmy Hedgehog, a Tortoise, a Barn Owl, Sugar Gliders and at least one of our lovely Dogs. We also have specific packages such as Autumn Animals or Nocturnal Animals that can be tailored for KS1 topics.

We have £5million Public Liability Insurance Cover and our staff are DBS checked - copies of which are provided at the time of booking

With all the costs (coaches, entrance fees, teacher cover etc) and the administration involved in school visits, our mobile farm provides a great cost effective alternative and still gives your children an experience that will make the day truly memorable for them.

Animal Activity Licence: LIC/2/22/01

Issued by Bedford Borough Council

NEW ARK FARM ART CLUB STARTS JANUARY 6th Would you like to learn how to draw farm animals? BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE

Animal & nature based therapy and activity sessions

What's on offer.

Conquest Centre is a recognised Alternative Provider offering nature and animal-based activity sessions to people of all ages and with different needs from mild anxiety to highly complex multiple conditions. Sessions are always tailored to the needs of the individual, can be one-to-one or in groups and working outdoors with the wonderful therapy animals when the weather allows.

Experiential sessions with the animals include learning about the needs of the different species, how they communicate, how to care for them and how they manage themselves during the different seasons. You can learn to groom and feed them and how to make sure they have enriched living environments even when kept in domestic settings. Nature based sessions can include foraging for different plants in the hedgerows, woodland and fields, learning about seasonal changes and how to look after our precious natural environments. Learning leads to valuable life skills and emotional resilience.

Student opportunities

For students who would like to further their education we also offer curriculums from British Horse Society, Riding for Disabled and Equischolars leading to recognised qualifications, certificates or awards.

Conquest Centre Conquest Farm Norton Fitzwarren Taunton Somerset TA2 6PN

By appointment only

Email: [email protected] 

The importance of our work lies in that we are an independent charity and accessible to those who need our support, even though we receive no statutory funding our ethos is to never turn anyone who needs us away, we fundraise for any shortfall created by those who can’t afford to pay for sessions.

Our Mission

To provide therapeutic support involving equines, small animals and the environment to enable each individual to thrive.

20/20 Vision

For everyone to have access to the therapeutic support they need in a safe, natural and non-judgemental setting to improve emotional, social, physical and mental wellbeing.

To meet our objectives our services and facilities include the following:

· Trauma/Thrive practitioners offering bespoke one to one therapeutic activities for clients of all ages and backgrounds.

· One to one equine facilitated therapy for adults.

· Animal care sessions working with our sheep, goats, donkeys, dogs and chickens.

· Play therapy.

· Sensory sessions in all environments including outdoors, our sensory room or with the animals.

· Student curriculums to include a variety of experiential learning opportunities for students with learning disabilities. These can include certificates for British Horse Society, Riding for Disabled, Equischolars and many other educational establishments for those who aspire to achieve qualifications.

· Therapeutic horse riding (we have a weight limit of 9 stone for horse riding)

· Woodland exploring and learning.

· Transferable skills and life skills.

· Forest school.

Our facilities include:

· Safe stable yard with grooming area and facilities for animal enrichment.

· Cabins for indoor activities and counselling.

· 20 acres of farmland.

· Playpark with accessible equipment.

· Two covered riding arenas.

· Woodland with many trees and plants and a woodland trail.

· Sensory room.

· Play/art/games room.

· Changing Places wetroom.

Get in touch

Conquest Centre Conquest Farm Norton Fitzwarren Taunton Somerset

Get in touch...

Animals Take Over

Welcome to our new Animals Take Over website!

Based in Cheshire, North West England, we have a special selection of animals that Children can touch and hold, whilst learning lots of fascinating facts about each and every one of them. We currently carry out School Workshops and Parties throughout Cheshire, Liverpool, Merseyside, Wirral, Warrington, Manchester and North Wales. 

Our School workshops all link to the national curriculum and include topics such as: Pets, Minibeasts, Nocturnal Animals, Classification, Habitats and many more. We also carry out sessions at Libraries, Nurseries, Children Centres and Play Schemes. Check out the School workshops page for more information. 

If it is a party you are looking for we have 3 fantastic animal parties to choose from. These are our Cute & Fluffy Party, Creepy Crawly Party and our bespoke Pick & Mix Party, where you can choose the animals that your party guests would like to meet. Check out the Birthday Parties page for more information.

• Fully Licensed (22/AE/CWAC/004)
• Public Liability Insurance
• Full Risk Assessments
• DBS Checked
• HND Animal Behaviour & Welfare
• Over 14 Years Experience
• Year-on-Year Repeat School Bookings
• 600+ School Workshop Testimonials

School Workshops

We offer School workshops which link in with the national curriculum. From Nursery and EYFS through to Key Stage 2. Our workshops are suitable for all ages and abilities

Birthday Parties

Book one of our Animal Parties for your Child. We have three party options to choose from which all include a different selection of our amazing animals

We carry out events at Fundays, Libraries, Children Centres, Care Homes, Rainbow and Brownie Units. We can offer workshops that vary from one hour up to a full day

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Animal Handling Education and Fun

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• Booking Your Animal Club Visit
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• Meet Our Animals
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• Affiliates Programme – Animal Club

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Animals as your guest – fun and education to your school, party, group or special event from Animal Club in Wiltshire

Animal Club Wiltshire offers interactive educational or social animal encounter experiences. We tailor visits to the requirements of any primary , secondary or SEN school, party, group or special event .

We pride ourselves on our highly knowledgeable rangers who will lovingly introduce their animals to you. The rangers will let you hold and touch the animals in a safe and careful way.

Each visit is unique and will meet your specific requirements. We can bring along the kinds of animals you want to touch and learn about. You may want cute and cuddly for a party or a wide range of different species for a classroom – you decide!

Our rangers are passionate about animals. They love to teach and amaze visitors about the animals they bring along. They will answer your questions about each animal and provide you with a wealth of information that only they know.

All our staff have DBS certificates.

We also hold relevant insurances and can provide you with a risk assessment, if necessary.

What animals can I handle?

Click here to meet our animals

Some of our recent reviews of Animal Workshops and Animal Parties

What our customers say about us

Lizzy (Mum) – Booked a Birthday party.

This was a really unusual party for my daughter Ellie (aged 7). We chose the animals that Ellie wanted to handle and the ranger was able to introduce each animal in turn. It was really nice that all the children at the party got to hold the animals. Highly recommended!

Mr Cooke (Teacher) – Booked a visit for her Year 4 class .

As our topic was ‘The Amazing Animal Kingdom’ a visit with animals was a really great way to get this topic off to an exciting start. I wanted something that would really get the children excited and engaged. I was really impressed with the wide range of animals that Animal-Club brought. The ranger was highly knowledgeable about all the animals and gave the class lots of interesting background information.

Clair (Beaver Leader) – Booked a visit for her Thursday night Beaver group.

We put on a great selection of activities and events that the Beavers enjoy. I had the idea of booking Animal-Club because I knew the Beavers would love the experience. The whole evening was a huge success and I don’t think I’ve ever seen the boys sitting so quietly! They had a great time and learnt lots of facts about each animal.

What happens during an event or party?

1 – You (the customer) contacts Animal-Club via phone, email or directly through the website.

2 – We will discuss your requirements and help you plan your event.

3 – On the day we come along with the animals you selected.

4 – The Ranger will take each animal out and let you hold or touch it. The ranger will explain all about the animals to you.

5 – You have a wonderful experience touching and learning about an incredible range of animals.

What else is on offer for animal lovers in Wiltshire?

A visit to Bristol Zoo Gardens is an adventure into an exciting animal kingdom, all set within 12 acres of beautiful grounds and award-winning gardens.

Get up close to over 400 exotic and endangered species from all over the world. Venture through the tropics in the Butterfly Forest or immerse yourself in the Seal and Penguin coast. Visit roaring Asiatic lions or why don’t you do a meet and greet experience and meet park favourites such as gorillas and meerkats. Channel your inner zookeeper and help with feeds, mucking out and make lifelong animal friends.

After all that monkeying around, why not visit some of the other great attractions onsite? Swing in the trees like your animal friends on the high ropes course at Zooropia or get your toes wet at the water play area; Splash. There’s even an adventure playground too, just to top the day off! Be sure to take a break from exploring and stop by the Hide restaurant for feeding time at the zoo.

Caring for our animals and you in Wiltshire

At Animal Club we are passionate about ensuring our animals are well cared. To keep our animals happy and for you to have a great time, we put a series of measure in place for the animals’ welfare.

Moreover, in our work practice, we consider our visitors’ wellbeing. We put in place measure to adhere to current H&S guidelines and keep all necessary documentation up to date.

What are you waiting for?

Animal Club Wiltshire offers a great opportunity for you to have wonderful animals brought right to you. No need for you to travel anywhere!

We can individualise each visit to your specific needs and ensure that you get the animals that you want.

Our highly trained Rangers will ensure that you and the animals have an enjoyable experience. Therefore, you will be able to learn so much about the animal kingdom as well as touch and feel each of the creatures.

To get in touch simply: press the enquiry button below, go to our booking page or email us on [email protected] We look forward to hearing from you!

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Animal Experiences for Care Homes

We offer animal visits for care homes with the emphasis on allowing the residents to meet all the animals close up and have the opportunity to hold and stroke them.

Our animals receive a warm welcome in nursing homes; residents enjoy holding the snake, which for many is a first time experience, and many stories are told, especially as residents meet the rabbit or tortoise, as people remember their own previous experiences with animals.  Even our giant creepy crawlies have triggered memories of time spent abroad!

This is a fantastic care home activity and can be a very sensory and calming experience when residents are given chance to interact with the animals.

Our presenter will visit each resident in turn with each animal, answering any questions and sharing their knowledge, whilst encouraging and supervising the handling.  If it is more suited to you, we can run a presentation, usually an hour long, during which the residents will still have the chance to hold the animals. Residents usually meet six or seven animals during an hour long session.

We just require a small amount of space, and do not need you to provide us with anything for the visit, other than an electric socket. We do not leave any mess behind!

Here you can see an article from Care Industry News which will give you an insight in to one of our previous care home visits.

Animal Assisted Therapy

Animal Assisted Therapy is increasingly being used to help people with various health problems including depression, communication problems, dementia and cardiovascular disease.

Interaction with animals has been shown to help reduce blood pressure, release endorphins and encourage people to communicate.  Lion Learners provide Animal Assisted Activities which allow people to experience the benefits of interacting with animals in a social setting, although we are happy to work with people individually.

During a one hour experience, residents (and staff!) are likely to meet between six or seven animals, but it does vary depending on the group. Animals are likely to include rabbits, guinea pigs, snake, lizard and some weird and wonderful creepy crawlies.

Each presenter has their own animals, who live at the presenters’ home. To find out which animals your local presenter has, please visit their presenter page by visiting the Book Now page . Please feel free to make a request for a particular animal, and if it is possible for the animal to be there, then it will be.

See our Animal Welfare page for more information about our animals and how we care for them.

Care Home Prices

The price for a one hour care home visit is £130.

We do occasionally do special offers for care homes in certain areas.

Contact your local presenter for more information.

• Friendly, professional animal assisted activities
• Animals can all be handled by the residents
• Great for the elderly, dementia patients, adults with physical and learning disabilities
• Calming, sensory and therapeutic
• Triggers conversation and memories
• Easy to organise, we bring everything we need and leave no mess behind

Ready to book? Want to know more?

Find your nearest presenter and begin your Animal Educational Experience today! Once you have chosen your presenter you can check prices, view insurance information, DBS checks and the animals the presenter can bring with them.

Find your presenter

Testimonials

Myself, the Nursery staff and the children at Giles Brook Nursery would like to say a huge thank you for your visit.  The session was thoroughly enjoyable and the children learnt so many new facts about all of your lovely animals.  It was a real treat to get to hold your (very well behaved) animals and it was a truly valuable learning experience for all involved.

Charlotte, Giles Brook School

How does it work?

View our animal experiences.

Look through our Animal Experiences to find the experience that’s right for you!

Find your nearest presenter

Use our postcode finder to find the nearest Lion Learners Presenter to your event or location.

Contact your nearest presenter

View the presenter’s page, see their animals, their documentation and book your experience today!

Upcoming public events

Freeman street market, grimsby, crafty cat play cafe, hull – animal experience with a christmas theme, christmas gifts for animal lovers.

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Campus anti-war protesters dig in nationwide as universities and police take action

Police in riot gear cleared an encampment on the campus of Northeastern University in Boston as several dozen students shouted and booed at them from a distance.

Student protests over the Israel-Hamas war have popped up on an increasing number of college campuses across the U.S., including tent encampments at Northwestern University, University of California and University of Pennsylvania.

Police arrest protesters attempting to camp in support of Palestinians on Washington University’s campus in St. Louis, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (Christine Tannous/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)

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Pro-Palestinian protesters link arms around campers as police show up to their encampment on Washington University’s campus, Saturday, April 27, 2024, in St. Louis, Mo. Dozens were arrested during the protest. (Christine Tannous/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)

A George Washington University student, who declined to give her name, works on a school assignment while joining other students in protesting the Israel-Hamas war at George Washington University in Washington, Saturday, April 27, 2024. Protests and encampments have sprung up on college and university campuses across the country to protest the war. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

Pro-Palestinian protesters pray near open police vans on the campus of Washington University, Saturday, April 27, 2024, in St. Louis, Mo. Dozens were arrested during the protest. (Christine Tannous/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)

Police arrest pro-Palestinian protesters attempting to camp on Washington University’s campus, Saturday, April 27, 2024, in St. Louis, Mo. (Christine Tannous/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)

Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein, left, links arms with others, including Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier, second from right, and Aldermanic President Megan Green, right, while surrounding pro-Palestinian protesters as police show up to their encampment on the campus of Washington University, Saturday, April 27, 2024, in St. Louis, Mo. Dozens were arrested during the protest. (Christine Tannous/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)

Protesters in support of Palestinians link arms as police prepare to arrest them on Washington University’s campus in St. Louis, Saturday, April 27, 2024. (Christine Tannous/St. Louis Post-Dispatch via AP)

Pro-Palestinian protesters camp out in tents at Columbia University on Saturday, April 27, 2024 in New York.(AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

Northeastern University police remove and arrest protesters one by one as they sit in zip tie handcuffs at the tent encampment on campus in Boston, Saturday, April 27, 2024. Dozens of NU students and other protesters who set up tents with them on the NU campus were arrested by state, Boston and NU police. (John Tlumacki/The Boston Globe via AP)

FILE - A sign that reads, “Gaza Solidarity Encampment,” is seen during the pro-Palestinian protest at the Columbia University campus in New York, Monday April 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah, File)

A Pro-Palestinian demonstration encampment is seen at the Columbia University, Saturday, April 27, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)

FILE - New York Police Department officers from the Strategic Response Group form a wall of protection around Deputy Commissioner of Legal Matters Michael Gerber and Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kay Daughtry, not shown, during a news conference regarding the ongoing pro-Palestinian protest encampment at Columbia University in New York, Monday, April 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah, File)

FILE - A University of Southern California protester, right, confronts a University Public Safety officer at the campus’ Alumni Park during a pro-Palestinian occupation, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

FILE - University of Southern California protesters carry a tent around Alumni Park on the University of Southern California to keep security from removing it during a pro-Palestinian occupation, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

FILE - A University of Southern California protester is detained by USC Department of Public Safety officers during a pro-Palestinian occupation at the campus’ Alumni Park, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

Students protesting the Israel-Hamas war woke up in tents at college campuses nationwide Sunday morning planning more protests demanding that schools cut financial ties to Israel and divest from companies accused of enabling the conflict.

Decisions to call in law enforcement, leading to hundreds of arrests nationwide, have also prompted negative reactions from protesters. The tensions have piled pressure on school officials, who are scrambling to resolve the protests as May graduation ceremonies near.

School faculty members at universities in California, Georgia and Texas have initiated or passed votes of no confidence in their leadership. They are largely symbolic rebukes, without the power to remove their presidents.

HOW IT STARTED

Early protests at Columbia University in New York City sparked pro-Palestinian demonstrations across the country and students and administrators there have engaged in negotiations, the university said in a statement Saturday night.

A University of Southern California protester, right, confronts a University Public Safety officer at the campus’ Alumni Park during a pro-Palestinian occupation, Wednesday, April 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel, File)

Columbia has set a series of deadlines for protesters to leave encampment — which they have missed — but bringing back police “at this time” would be counterproductive, the school wrote in an email to students.

Washington University in St. Louis locked some campus buildings and arrested protesters Saturday.

The Riverfront Times, a St. Louis weekly newspaper, reported more than 80 people were arrested during the protest that began in public areas before moving to the campus in the afternoon. Megan Green, president of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, said in a social media post that she was present and the protest remained calm “until the police came in like an ambush.”

Green Party Presidential Candidate Jill Stein said in a social media post that she and two of her campaign managers were among those arrested on the Washington University campus.

The St. Louis Police Department said in a social media post that it assisted campus police, although city officers did not make any arrests.

The University of Southern California said on Saturday it had temporarily closed its University Park Campus to nonresidents and USC property was vandalized by members of a group “that has continued to illegally camp on our campus,” disrupt operations and harrassing people.

Students declined attempts by university President Carol Folt to meet, and the administration hopes for “a more reasonable response Sunday before we are forced to take further action,” said Joel Curran, senior vice president of communications.

USC drew criticism after refusing to allow the valedictorian, who has publicly supported the Palestinian cause, to make a commencement speech. Administrators then scrapped the keynote speech by filmmaker Jon M. Chu. The school on Thursday announced the cancellation of its main graduation event , a day after more than 90 protesters were arrested by police in riot gear.

Students protesting the Israel-Hamas war at George Washington University sit in a tent to avoid the rain in Washington, Saturday, April 27, 2024.(AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

Folt, the university president, made her first public statement late Friday, addressing the controversies as “incredibly difficult for all of us.”

MASSACHUSETTS

In Boston, police in riot gear cleared an encampment on the campus of Northeastern University on Saturday.

Massachusetts State Police said about 102 protesters were arrested and will be charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct.

Northeastern said in a statement that the demonstration, which began two days ago, had become “infiltrated by professional organizers” with no affiliation to the university and antisemitic slurs, including “kill the Jews,” had been used.

“We cannot tolerate this kind of hate on our campus,” the statement posted on social media said.

The Huskies for a Free Palestine student group disputed the university’s account, saying in a statement that counterprotesters were to blame for the slurs and no student protesters “repeated the disgusting hate speech.”

Students at the Boston protest said a counterprotester attempted to instigate hate speech but insisted their event was peaceful and, like many across the country, was aimed at drawing attention to what they described as the “genocide” in Gaza and their university’s complicity in the war.

The president of nearby Massachusetts Institute of Technology said in a statement Saturday that an encampment there had become a “potential magnet for disruptive outside protesters” and was taking hundreds of staff hours to keep safe.

Indiana University campus officers and state police arrested 23 people Saturday at an encampment on the school’s Bloomington campus. Tents and canopies were erected Friday in violation of school policy and group members were detained after refusing to remove the structures with charges ranging from criminal trespass to resisting law enforcement, police said.

Arizona State University said 69 people were arrested early Saturday on suspicion of criminal trespassing for setting up an unauthorized encampment on a lawn on its Tempe campus. The protesters were given chances to leave and those who refused were arrested.

US CAMPUSES AND THE ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR

The nationwide campus protests began in response to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. Hamas launched a deadly attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, when militants killed about 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and took roughly 250 hostages. Vowing to stamp out Hamas, Israel launched an offensive in Gaza. In the ensuing war, Israel has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to the local health ministry.

Israel and its supporters have branded the university protests as antisemitic, while critics of Israel say it uses such allegations to silence opponents. Although some protesters have been caught on camera making antisemitic remarks or violent threats, organizers of the protests, some of whom are Jewish, say it is a peaceful movement aimed at defending Palestinian rights and protesting the war.

Casey reported from Boston and Thompson from Buffalo, N.Y. Associated Press journalists in various locations contributed, including Jacques Billeaud, Aaron Morrison, Stefanie Dazio, Kathy McCormack, Jim Vertuno, Acacia Coronado, Sudhin Thanawala, Jeff Amy, Jeff Martin, Mike Stewart, Collin Binkley, Carolyn Thompson, Jake Offenhartz, Jesse Bedayn and Sophia Tareen.