GOLD DofE RESIDENTIAL AAP
ZOO RESIDENTIAL – 5 Days at Blackpool Zoo
DURATION
5 Days + 4 Nights
FOR AGES
16+
LOCATION
Blackpool Zoo, UK
PRICE
£1079 (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
Dates for 2024 just released!
22nd-26th July 2024
19th-23rd August 2024
28th October-1st November 2024
The Sam Sykes and Blackpool Zoo Residential
Get up close and personal with exotic species
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.
This Gold Residential offers 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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 CareAnimal Behaviour
Animal Management
Animal ScienceAgricultureAnthropologyAnatomy and physiologyBiological SciencesConservationEcologyEducation
Environmental ConservationForensic ScienceGeographyEnvironmental ScienceLand and Wildlife ManagementMarine BiologyMedicinePsychologyVeterinary Medicine
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
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
Sneak a peek behind the scenes and gain VIP access to the work of the modern zookeeper and the role of a modern zoo
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 residential
Meet some of the team at the Zoo.
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.
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.
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.
I was lucky enough to work at Blackpool Zoo for the Spring/Summer season as part of the education team. I have a fantastic history with Blackpool Zoo, having undertaken a research internship here in 2014, which led into a seasonal educational role. In between this time I have kept my connection with the zoo strong, both my BSc in Zoo Biology and my MSc in Animal Behaviour included research projects undertaken here with our Bornean orangutans and the newly introduced Asian elephants.
At the end of the summer season I moved onto the animal department and was awarded a Trainee Keeper position working in the elephant section. I am now completing my Diploma in Zoo Animal Management at Sparsholt College.
How involvement in the Zoo can really help your chances in the industry
Vicky Cook’s journey at Blackpool Zoo
In July, I was lucky enough to work as a Duke of Edinburgh instructor. Teaching a group, just like yourselves about our fantastic range of animals at the zoo. With my background, I taught and lead a tour of project elephant and observed with the students an elephant training session discussing how important this was for health checks and managing such large and intelligent animals.
What does the future hold?
My traineeship will be for the next 2 years and in that time I hope to continue to learn as much as I can about the elephants and what it take to be an elephant keeper. At the same time, I hope to carry on with research and studying animal behaviour within zoos so the next generation of zoo keepers can learn and we can constantly improve the welfare of animals across the world.
What advice would you give to people looking to work in zoos or with animals?
My advice to anyone looking to work in the industry would be to never let an opportunity to pass you by. My road to an elephant keeper was not a straight path; I took many different roles relating to the zoo before I landed this role however each role taught me new skills and gave me a completely new insight into how a zoo works.
The Duke of Edinburgh is a great example of this, while you’re at Blackpool talk to as many keepers, education staff and visitors/members as you can. This opportunity will give you a fantastic insight into the zoo industry and although it can be a competitive field to get into, networking and having contacts already in the industry is a great starting point.
About Blackpool Zoo
Blackpool Zoo is a 32-acre multi award winning zoo, owned by Parques Reunidos and located in the sea-side resort of Blackpool, Lancashire, England.
This medium/large zoo provides a home to 400 species and 1500 animals from all over the world.
The zoo has recently changed ownership twice – once in 2003, and again in 2007, resulting in continued investment each year. [from wikipedia]
Address: E Park Dr, Blackpool FY3 8PP
Phone: 01253 830830
Notable species: Asian Elephant, Amur Tiger, Western Lowland Gorilla, African Lion, Caribbean Flamingo, Magellenic Penguin, Macaw, Eastern White Pelican, Zebra
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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