Conservation and Zoo Keeping – Slapton Ley – 19/08/2024

This five day course offers a unique look at conservation efforts and animal care in a new collaboration with Dartmoor Zoological Society.

Participants will start the week at Slapton Ley Field Centre, exploring the range of habitats in our National Nature Reserve, canoeing on the stunning Slapton Ley, and getting hands-on with vital conservation work. The second half of the course offers a rare behind-the-scenes stay at Dartmoor Zoo, with expert-led workshops including on animal training, handling, and conservation.

Participants will get up close and personal with the zoo’s animals, from reptiles to big cats, before setting up camp right in its centre. On the final morning, students will learn about zoo management and take part in an enterprise challenge.

Participation in this course may be used to complete the residential requirement for Duke of Edinburgh Gold and/or the John Muir Conservation Award.

This is an amazing opportunity to work with the Nature Reserve and Education staff at Slapton Ley Field Centre. The centre does offer pick up and drop off at Totnes station. Pick up is 12pm at Totnes station on arrival day, and drop off at Totnes station at 4.30pm on departure day. In addition to the course cost, this is £10.00 each way.