At the zoo
Length of workshop 50 minutes
Join us for a walking tour of our amazing new zone, Heart of Africa!
Your students will learn why we need to protect rich and diverse ecosystems. We also look at the consequences of losing a species that plays a vital role in the health of an ecosystem.
During this session we will describe our in-situ conservation projects and the methods used to monitor populations of endangered species. We go on to explain how we use that information to ensure good genetic diversity in isolated populations.
How do you track a giraffe on the vast African savannah? Why has only one giant pangolin ever been fitted with a tracker? How do we study this nocturnal and very elusive animal?
We also describe our black rhino ex-situ breeding programme and how our work with endocrinology helps us to manage the population.
This workshop will take place in the Heart of Africa zone and the tour will provide your group with an opportunity to explore this new area of Chester Zoo. We’d therefore recommend avoiding Heart of Africa prior to your tour in order to maximise your time in the Zoo.
The tour is subject to change due to animal availability or extreme weather. Please ensure students are dressed appropriately for a walking tour.
Age group – Post 16
Duration – 50 minutes
Capacity – 20 Students
Workshop cost – £50
Curriculum Links
AQA Biology
- Populations in ecosystems – show understanding of the need to manage the conflict between human needs and conservation in order to maintain the sustainability of natural resources.
- Evaluate evidence and data concerning issues relating to the conservation of species and habitats and consider conflicting evidence
OCR Biology
- Biodiversity -The factors affecting biodiversity. To include human population growth, agriculture (monoculture) and climate change.
- Methods of maintaining biodiversity. • In situ conservation, e.g. wildlife reserves. Ex situ conservation, e.g. zoos.
- The ecological, economic and aesthetic reasons for maintaining biodiversity. Ecological: protecting keystone species (interdependence of organisms) and maintaining genetic resource.
- Populations and sustainability. The management of environmental resources and the effects of human activities. To include how ecosystems can be managed to balance the conflict between conservation/ preservation and human needs AND the effects of human activities on the animal and plant populations and how these are controlled.