A Future That's Wild

Dates: Monday, 10th - Friday, 14th August 2026.

Time: 10am - 4.00pm each day

Admin fee: £180 per person (includes certificate, reference, t-shirt, waterproof jacket, and journal).

Places are limited, so booking as soon as possible is advisable to secure a place.

Over 5 days, students will have an opportunity to:

• Earn 30 hours of work experience (this course cannot be included as part of university or college placement hours).
• Boost your college or university application.
• Become an ambassador for wildlife.
• Learn more about Blackpool Zoo conservation and sustainability initiatives and how we are working to protect endangered animals through education, research, and animal care practices.
• Work alongside other students to plan projects and interesting visitor engagement activities to educate and communicate animal and conservation science messages to zoo visitors.
• Develop leadership and communication skills and problem-solving techniques with zoo educators providing guidance and advice.
• Gain awareness, inspiration, and empowerment to engage with nature and cultivate skills and abilities to impact the environment positively.
• Take part in meaningful community service projects.
• Meet with staff to learn more about potential careers in the animal science and conservation fields.

Students must send in a completed application form to be considered for the programme. Successful applicants will be invited for an informal chat with our friendly Education team.

If you are interested in taking part in this programme, please complete the application form linked below and send it to zoo.school@blackpoolzoo.org.uk

Download the application form HERE.

• Participants must be within the correct age range (15–17 years) in order to participate.
• Participants will be supervised by the education team at all times during the course, but they can have unsupervised free time in the zoo if approved by a guardian.
• The participants family and friends will not be able to accompany the students during the day.
• The majority of this course takes place within the zoo grounds, but it does include time spent at a local nature reserve, which will be reached by foot.
• The programme runs in all weather conditions. We recommend wet weather attire on wet days. Blackpool Zoo reserves the right to cancel activities in extreme weather conditions.
• Clothing requirements: enclosed flat shoes and sensible clothing suitable for the weather.
• Participants will be required to agree to the programme rules, and a parent or guardian must complete and return a health and safety form prior to the course.
• Certificate and reference will only be given to participants who complete the full duration of the course.
• If there are any allergies or additional requirements we need to be aware of prior to the course, please contact zoo.school@blackpoolzoo.org.uk.
• We are unable to offer alternative dates after a booking has been made.
• The duration of the course is an approximate and may differ slightly on the day. 
• We (Blackpool Zoo) reserve the right to cancel or amend this programme if deemed necessary due to animal welfare, health issues or unforeseen circumstances. If this happens, we will endeavour to contact you before your experience is due to take place.
• Unfortunately, this programme may not be suitable for everyone, including those with any relevant phobias or allergies. Please read the specific terms and conditions for further information or contact us at zoo.school@blackpoolzoo.org.uk for advice before purchasing.
• Working in close proximity with animals is inadvisable for immunocompromised individuals. Please contact us on 01253 830801 for advice before purchasing.
• This programme is non-refundable and non-transferable, so please carefully check eligibility and all other terms before you purchase. 
• The programme will include a lunch break, food will not be provided by the zoo, so a packed lunch is required for the participants.
• Full payment must be made when booking this programme. 
• If the participant is late, we are unable to extend or postpone the course.
• It is essential during this programme the participant listens and follows instructions given by a member of Blackpool Zoo staff. Should they refuse to follow instructions, we reserve the right to stop the programme and a refund will not be offered.
• The participant is permitted to use a mobile phone to take photographs if deemed safe to do so by our member of staff. 
• Please note we have limited availability for this programme.
• While you will have the opportunity to meet a range of different animals during the programme, please be aware that specific animals cannot be requested.
• You may be asked at times to wear PPE during the programme, this will be supplied by the Zoo. 
• Please contact us via zoo.school@blackpoolzoo.org.uk for any questions.