T Level Animal Management students visit Chester Zoo for residential research trip

Our T Level Animal Management students from Year 1 and Year 2, recently took part in an exciting overnight residential trip to Chester Zoo, designed to support their upcoming research projects and synoptic exams.

While much of the south was experiencing snow and stormy weather, students were lucky enough to enjoy two mild and productive days at the zoo, making the most of everything the visit had to offer.

During the trip, students attended a range of engaging zookeeper talks focused on enclosure design and African conservation projects. These included vital conservation work around species such as vultures, rhinos and giraffes, giving students valuable insight into real-world animal management and conservation practices. Alongside the structured talks, students also had plenty of time to explore the zoo independently, allowing them to observe a wide variety of species up close and apply their learning in a practical setting.

In the evening, the group stayed at the nearby YHA Trafford Hall, giving students the opportunity to relax and socialise outside of a college environment, with downtime spent playing pool and table tennis, watching television, and enjoying time together with friends.

The trip was extremely well received by students. In their feedback, they highlighted moments such as spotting a tiger during a guided tour, enjoying a relaxed evening with friends, and encountering standout species like the red spitting cobra and the white‑lipped island pit viper.

Many students also reflected on the knowledge they gained, particularly around African species and conservation efforts, and how this learning will support their future studies and assessments.

Overall, the Chester Zoo residential was a valuable and memorable experience, combining education, enrichment and teamwork, and providing students with learning they can carry forward into their research projects and beyond.