DofE Open Gold Zoo Residential
5 day Zoo Residential, Blackpool
FOR AGES
16+
DURATION
5 Days + 4 Nights
LOCATION
Blackpool Zoo, UK
PRICE
£1188 (inclusive of VAT)
“I would say it’s perfectly suited to aspiring vets. The animal interaction we had was amazing and the zoo staff are absolutely fantastic.”
Zoe – Participant
October 2025
£1,188.00
Book on the Residential
Detailed information
Aim
Experiential learning in a zoo setting to support a student’s interest in animals and the natural world. The programmes educate, enthuse and bolster students’ ambition to pursue further education and careers in the animal industry both in the UK and in the wider global community.An adventure for young people in a unique woodland setting, offering a varied, interactive and fun experience.
This official DofE Gold Residential combines theory with real-life hands-on, practical zoo experience; all wrapped into a specific course to complete the residential section of your DofE Gold Award.
The programme is centred on project based instructional models encompassing theoretical and practical learning. The students’ learning journey is extensive encompassing a range of disciplines involved in the management of animals.
Practical husbandry and research experience allows the student to gain an understanding of managing the welfare of animals referencing nutrition, environment, health, behaviour, and mental state/experiences.
This understanding is reinforced with animal health, enrichment, and training projects along with conversations about ethical considerations. The political and legislative context of animal management is also illustrated through discussions on the Secretary of States Standards of Modern Zoo Practice the Balai Directive and Defra.
A unique multi-day adventure for young people, which is scientific, varied, interactive and fun. Filled with outdoor activities and conservation work with an approved activity provider and licensed organisation.
The residential is packed full of adventurous activities and is made even more special by the skills that you learn, direct contact with the animals, meeting new people, the friendships made and experiences shared.
Focusing On
This fun and engaging opportunity is a shared activity ideal for anyone with a passion for animals and conservation, or anyone looking to study a related area.
Specialised care for all species
Medical welfare
Animal training and behaviour
Conservation projects and research
The roles of a modern zoo
The value and purpose of enrichment
Designed for 16 – 25-year-olds by industry-leading experts.
Hands-on 5 day and 4 night residential activity
The perfect mix of theory and practice - related schemes of study
Animal Care
Animal Behaviour
Animal Management
Animal Science
Anatomy and physiology
Biological Sciences
Conservation
Ecology
Education
Environmental Conservation
Environmental Science
Land and Wildlife Management
Marine Biology
Medicine
Psychology
Veterinary Medicine
What’s provided?
What’s included?
Accommodation and all food
Transport to and from Blackpool train station (if required)
Free transfers between the accommodation and the zoo
The full five days at the zoo are a great taster week for aspiring vets. Take part in a range of practical and theory-based tasks including the chance to feed and handle a wide range of animals
A portfolio of evidence and written report to take away
What you need to bring
Personal clothing, outerwear, waterproofs
Personal wash-bag / towel
Personal medication
Walking Boots or wellies / socks
Sun hat / sun glasses / sun lotion
Insect repellent
Water bottle
Notebook / pen / pencil
Bedding including a pillow
Indoor footwear
Meet the Team
Rebecca
Head of Education, Conservation Research BSc Hons, MSc
From an anthropological background my career at Blackpool Zoo started in 2010 when I worked weekends presenting talks to the zoo visitors. I am now Head of Education, Research and Conservation and have the great privilege of working with an incredibly talented wildlife learning team.
Together we aim to connect our half a million visitors to animals; immersing them in real-life, powerful stories of wildlife conservation.
It is fantastic to work in such a multi-faceted role combining science, research, education, and entertainment to inspire and fascinate our visitors. Working in zoo education is exciting, engaging, challenging and enriching-I look forward to each and every day.
Favourite part:
I love it all, but especially enjoy practical learning activities for students with additional needs. Green space and animal interactions within a zoo can improve human health and sense of well-being so it is incredible to offer this to young people who face many challenges in daily life.
Harry
Senior Education Officer BSc Hons, MSc
I started as a summer seasonal in June 2018 and I had the great opportunity to be kept on as the Conservation and Sustainability Officer for the zoo. This role includes many aspects of zoo life from arranging events for the conservation charities we support and keeping in contact with them and their worldwide projects, to making sure we are as eco-friendly as possible in every aspect of the zoo.
As I previously studied a BSc(Hons) in Wildlife Conservation and MSc in Endangered Species Recovery and Conservation the opportunity to incorporate education and apply this to a zoo where conservation is represented in both breeding programmes within the zoo and supporting the wild populations is fantastic and a dream job.
Favourite Part:
Teaching conservation and animal husbandry, although I love every aspect of the role.
Ellen
Animal Interactions Coordinator BSc Hons
I joined the Education Team at Blackpool Zoo in March 2019 having recently completed a degree in Wildlife Conservation. Having visited Blackpool Zoo last year I instantly fell in love with the place. After listening to the talks I admired the huge emphasis the zoo places on conservation and animal welfare.
As an education officer at the zoo I am looking forward to getting to know all the animals and the team. My role offers me a brilliant opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges that endangered species face and highlight the part that we can play in preserving animals in the wild. It is great to inform and educate at the same time as trying to make sure that a visit to the zoo is fun.
Favourite Part:
I really enjoy explaining about how important conservation is when it comes to animal, what role the zoo plays and what everyone can do at home to help. One of my favourite things is involving visitors in feeding times.
During Your Residential You Can:
Get ahead with Vet. Med. and animal-related schemes of study - This course gives you practical experience towards university applications.
Compile a dossier of evidence and receive a personalised written report to add to your portfolio.
Conservation is key - Gain exclusive access to Base Camp where you will learn about a brand new concept of animal care, Project Elephant, which will open your eyes to in situ conservation programmes and state of the art facilities.
Meet the professionals - Q&As with head keeper’s, vet and complete education team
Sneak a peek behind the scenes and gain VIP access to the work of the modern zookeeper and the role of a modern zoo
Reach out with research - Conduct a social research project and gather valuable data and insight on current conservation topics of your choice
Get connected - Build a network of professional contacts who can open doors for you to be fast-tracked to further work experience and who can help with career advice at home and abroad
Stand out from the crowd - Develop transferable skills and core strengths directly relevant to the industry and world of including teamwork, small group work, presentations, leadership and problem solving
Meet like-minded people and share once in a lifetime experiences
What are you waiting for? Take a walk on the wild side!
Example of the report you will receive on completion of the course.
Enquiries
If you are unsure of anything, or have any queries, please do get in touch.
We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
If you already know you want to come, please book your dates towards the top of the page.
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“Sam Sykes Ltd have organised our expeditions for the past 6 years, and have never failed to deliver a memorable experience for our students, whilst providing the school with confidence that they are in safe hands. The service they provide is excellent, always responsive to our individual needs, and the effort and professionalism of their staff is second to none.”
Karin Austin – DofE Coordinator – The Tiffin Girls’ School, Kingston upon Thames
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“Sam Sykes has never failed to impress when he speaks to our parents during the D of E information evenings, providing relevant information and confidence in the award and how it is run. His team challenges our girls safely in an outdoors environment, and we have confidence in their leadership of the award. Communication with the Sykes team is always first class, and we have enjoyed an excellent relationship with them over the last four years, finding them to be thoroughly professional and always flexible to meet our particular needs.”
Julia Harrington – Headmistress – Queen Annes School, Caversham
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“Sam Sykes™ has provided a top quality service for our DofE expeditions this year. Always ready to accommodate any situation, Sam is flexible and professional and we look forward to our future expeditions with his company.”
Isobel Riley, Rossall School
