whipsnade zoo

So I became a member of my schools magazine to get some experience for the hopeful future (you know when I'm working for Company or OK! in five years time yep then) and we're called Press Gang (don't mess ha). And this is the first article I've written and photographed for. I'll post again in a few months when it's actually been published but for the time being; listen to me talk about how much I erm love animals..

I'm going to ask Mum if we can have pet baby penguins

On Tuesday 12^th February the two Biology classes of Year 12 set off for a chilly day at Whipsnade Zoo where we would use this trip to trigger ideas for our upcoming issue report as part of our AS syllabus. Despite the wintry conditions both the animals and ourselves ventured out into the snow and braved the cold weather. Splitting into two groups, the first half of us sat a two hour lecture delivered by a member of ZSL (Zoological Society of London) whilst the other half explored the exhibits around the zoo.

            I began in the lecture room where the speaker educated us on the increasing threat of many endangered species such as Mountain Chickens (which are in fact a species of frog). She then continued to discuss the conservation measures that are being put into practice. We also had small group exercises put together by Whipsnade for us to complete which gave us an insight into how they calculate the population of all animals. For example we had to pair mating partners from a studbook, which enabled us to understand the importance of genetic variation within a species. After a thought-provoking lecture, the two groups swapped over and my group went out to see the animals.

            Feeling like my five year old self once again, following pathways to the animal catchments and cooing at every animal in sight, I can honestly say at seventeen years old it was just as enjoyable! However this time I had an understanding of their unstable climate. Many were listed as critically endangered and after reading placards which lined their exhibits, it allowed me to find out more about their habitat and livelihood. There was every animal you could imagine; from flamingoes to cheetahs to chameleons and snakes. The reptile exhibit, known as the Discovery Centre wasn’t quite so favourable mind; the snakes, insects and lizards didn’t make me feel so comfortable! There was one animal in particular in their prime environment of the cold conditions though, which can be seen in the photograph; baby penguins. This was my favourite sighting of the day, too adorable to put into words.

            I would most definitely recommend any animal crazy fanatics or environment savvy readers to visit this inspirational pioneering zoo. It really opened my mind to the problems zoologists are facing and what we can do to help.