Secondary schools programme
We have a fun and educational secondary programme at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.
We are able to welcome one class, of up to 30 students, in our Learning Den at a time.
Please choose from one of the following set sessions which vary in length from 40 minutes to an hour.
If you would like more information on a particular session or would like to suggest something different please call 01582 871330 to discuss it.
Sessions at the Zoo for Key Stages 3 and 4
Under threat - New - 40mins
Why are animals endangered and how do we know which species need the most conservation? Discover how the medicine trade, tourism, habitat loss, pollution, introduced species and pet trade have affected wild animal populations.
Find out more - session infomation sheet (503 KB)
Zoo Careers - New - 40mins
Ever dreamt of working at a zoo? Find out about the wide variety of jobs that are available in a zoo like Whipsnade and the skills and qualifications that could help you get your dream zoo job.
Find out more - session infomation sheet (58 KB)
Adaptations - 40mins
Investigate a variety of physical and behavioural adaptations that help animals to survive in extreme environments. Take your pick from the following:
- Extreme adaptations looks at the adaptations of animals that survive in extremely hot and cold climates.
Find out more - session infomation sheet (517 KB)
- Aquatic Adaptations - New - investigates the adaptations of species that spend their life in or around water.
Find out more - session infomation sheet (603 KB)
Conservation and zoos - 40mins
How do zoos help conserve endangered species? Discover the 4 main roles of a zoo and how the work zoos do can help wild populations of endangered species using ZSL as a case study.
Find out more - session infomation sheet (502 KB)
Climate change - 40mins
How does climate change affect animals? We look at the effect of global warming on specific species and discuss how we, as individuals, can reduce out impact on the environment.
Find out more - session infomation sheet (77 KB)
Enclosure design - 1 hour
Using examples from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, we explore enclosure design and enrichment, taking into consideration the needs of the animals, their keepers and the visitors. This is followed by a practical investigation in the lemur enclosure.
If you book this session you will also be able to enter our Design an enclosure competition
.
Find out more - session infomation sheet (605 KB)
Animal training - 40mins
Could you train an animal? Discover the science behind animal training - how we train animals at the Zoo and the importance of training for the animal’s welfare.
Find out more - session infomation sheet (160 KB)
Discovery - hands on - 40mins
Using an array of biofacts, students are invited to improve their investigation skills and engage in personal enquiry. A useful session for all students, particularly for kinaesthetic learners. Find out more - session infomation sheet (258 KB)
Putting animals into groups - 40mins
Find out how and why animals are classified and explore a wide variety of biofacts (skins, skulls etc.) to discover the main characteristics of the five vertebrate groups.
Find out more - session infomation sheet (64 KB)
Sessions at the Zoo for Key Stages 4 and 5 
I’m talking to you - KS4/5 - 1 hour
Whether it is the need to establish a territory, the fear of approaching danger, or the need to attract a mate; animals communicate in a variety of ways. We explore different methods of communication and conclude the session with some observation at the chimp enclosure.
Chimpanzee Observation sheet Find out more - session infomation sheet (450 KB)
Role of a modern zoo - KS5 - 1 hour
What do zoos do? How do zoos help conserve endangered species? Find out how zoos help to conserve animals around the world from breeding endangered species in zoos to helping solve population crashes in the wild while still providing a fun place for families to visit.
Find out more - session infomation sheet (504 KB)
Amphibian crisis - New - KS5 - 40mins
Find out how climate change is affecting amphibians around the world and how the loss of amphibians could affect other species. Discover what conservation organisations like ZSL are doing to protect and conserve amphibians.
Find out more - session infomation sheet (106 KB)
Vulture decline - New - KS5 - 40mins
Why are vultures in south east Asia declining? Investigate the issue, discover how the mysterious decline was solved and find out how ZSL is helping 3 critically endangered vulture species.
Find out more - session infomation sheet (141 KB)
Special study day - New - KS5
This day consists of two sessions, the ‘Role of a modern zoo’ in the morning and the session of your choice in the afternoon (choose from any of the KS5 sessions listed above). The study day is especially useful for Edexcel AS biology visit reports.
Downloadable resources
These resources can be used during your visit to the Zoo. Blank pupil booklets and teachers answer booklets are provided where appropriate so remember to download a copy of both.
Please note: information is regularly updated however animals can be moved at any time during the year.
Self guided resources
Animal adaptations - KS 3/4
This activity sheet helps to focus students on adaptations to habitat. Students will have to observe two species in the Zoo (reindeer and camels) and to describe the animals’ adaptations to the extreme habitat in which they live.
Role of a good zoo - KS 3/4
This trail takes in a range of species at Whipsnade Zoo including giraffe, elephants, otters and chimps.
Students will need to use a variety of skills to complete this trail including map reading, observational and investigative skills.
The booklet can be completed in any order so it can fit into your plans for the day.
Walk on the wild side - KS 3/4
This trail encourages students to find out more about particular species around the Zoo and improve their investigation and observation skills.
It does not have 1 set theme but looks at a variety of topics including communication, adaptations, threats and conservation.
Putting animals into groups trail - KS 3/4
This trail focuses on animals in the Discovery Centre and introduces students to how animals are classified into classes and orders by comparing amphibians and reptiles.
The trail is designed for students who are already familiar with the characteristics of the 5 vertebrate groups. The trail can also be used in conjunction with a session at the Zoo, ‘Putting animals into groups’.