A LEADING zoo in North Yorkshire is to bring its animals to children – as statistics show as few as 37 per cent of children now enjoy off-site school visits.

The education team at Flamingo Land Resort Yorkshire are hoping to reach as many schools as possible in the coming months to inspire the next generation and give children the opportunity to experience animals first hand.

They will be bringing small zoo animals and artefacts to schools to help bring the learning to life.

“Education plays a major role within a modern zoo environment and as a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria (BIAZA) we are keen to inspire and educate children to understand the interdependence of all living things,” said Lindsay Taylor, education officer at Flamingo Land Resort Yorkshire.

“For us, it is important that children understand the conservation aspect of what we do. Our curriculum-linked educational visits to schools allow us to do this on a variety of platforms and to a variety of age groups.”

The school visits allow the team to show how people’s behaviour can have a positive impact on wildlife and that whilst the park has endangered species from across the globe, conservation at home also plays a significant part.

Until February half term 2017, a school can book a member of the education team for £60 per 45 minute session.

Sessions involve animal artefacts, live animal handling or both. For more information phone 01653-669479 (ext 625) or e-mail; zooeducation@flamingoland.co.uk