animal visits to nurseries

[email protected]

01324 667330.

We amaze, educate and inspire through our ethical and engaging animal encounters. 

Our ZooLab presenters and animal teams work closely with early years, schools, businesses and in the care sector to achieve learning and wellbeing outcomes.

We engage with people in an informative way through our unique animal workshops.

Our workshops are safe and easy to book. Our professional customer service team are happy to discuss the best options for you.

Whether booking a face to face or digital experience  ZooLab makes learning fun.​

Find out more.

We're the UK’s #1 for ethical animal encounters 

“We were SO impressed with Eleanor! She kept a challenging class completely hooked and was clearly extremely knowledgeable about the animals. The children LOVED the experience and haven't stopped speaking about it."

Hutton Cranswick Community Primary School

Educational Workshops

Whether you're a young person or a young adult, we tailor our curriculum based workshops to your specific educational needs and requirements. 

Animal Therapy

Our Animal Therapy sessions promote mental wellbeing and can be used in a wide range of settings. We tailor each session to fit the audience we're presenting to. 

Pupil referral units

Exam stress busters

Staff wellbeing sessions.

Events and Corporate

Our hands-on animal encounters are bespoke tailored to your staff and clients. We can provide entertainment for a conference or even run an entire event ourselves!

Events & Parties

Corporate Entertainment

School Clubs

Summer Camps

Online & International

ZooLab is a fully interactive learning experience which offers flexibility, accessibility and a unique and an effective learning experience - no matter where in the world you are!

International Programmes

Digital Learning

Library Sessions

After School Clubs

Meet Our Team!

Before your visit, we'd love you to meet our ZooLab Rangers and their animals. 

ZooLab's passionate presenting team are skilled at working within a variety of settings and adapt each session to suit the age and ability of the audience.

Whether used as a therapy or teaching tool, ZooLab's unique style allows participants to find their confidence at their own pace and gain a great deal from the animal encounter both online or face to face.

FREE  RESOURCES!

Each workshop comes with a FREE dedicated resource pack including worksheets and support materials to continue the fun after your session.

Bringing Learning To Life

Animal Visits to Schools

Exotic Explorers provide fun, educational sessions to your primary or secondary school students, whether you would like an aid in teaching or an end of term treat. We also offer some more interaction-based experiences for nurseries and pre-school age.

Our interactive sessions can help support a number of topics in animal studies and fit in to the national curriculum , and the students will get a chance to see some of our amazing animals up close. Exotic Explorers Directors Ben and Puri bring decades of experience with them, so you can be confident that your students will receive the most accurate and relevant animal knowledge.

Subjects can include Classification, Minibeasts, Adaptations, Predators/Prey, Habitats and Nocturnal/Diurnal. Scroll down for more information.

We can also provide impressive flying displays and live training sessions to excite your students' imagination.

Fully licensed, insured and DBS checked.

LIMITED TIME OFFER: Pre-book your September sessions and get £100 off a full-day or £50 off a half-day! - Book by 23rd July 2023.

We work to the national curriculum. Subjects can include:

Classification.

Carnivores, herbivores and omnivores; vertebrates and invertebrates. Students will learn some amazing facts about animals and how we classify them.

Learn about the small and mighty. Making up approximately 97% of all living creatures, invertebrates are fascinating, and provide a plethora of important learning opportunities for children of all ages.

Adaptations

Learn how animals are adapted to survive. We take a close look at hunting methods, camouflage, extreme environments and more, to discover the captivating world of animal adaptations.

Life Cycles

Birth, growth, reproduction and death represent the four stages of the life cycle of all animals. We can show students how some of the more interesting creatures change over the course of their lives.

Predators/Prey

See how the predator-prey relationship maintains balance in their ecosystems. How prey is adapted to survive and how predators overcome some of the ingenious techniques.

Learn how animal habitats are as different as the animals that inhabit them. What makes them survive in these habitats and how we can protect them.

Nocturnal/Diurnal

Learn about the fascinating differences between animals active during the day and night. And let’s explore the window in-between together.

Living World

Our world is home to a diverse range of animals. Immerse yourself into this living world and learn about what makes it such an enchanting place.

Show 'n Tell

• 30 Minute Session*
• Up to 30 Students

Single Session

• 60 Minute Session
• 2x 60 Minute Sessions
• 4x 60 Minute Sessions

*This is a short session with limited contact, ideal for younger children.

Discounts available for multiple sessions booked on same day.

Mileage charged at 50p per mile.

Some of the many schools we have worked with include:

Testimonials

WOW These guys visited our school yesterday for our summer fair and I can honestly say this was absolutely brilliant. They had an amazing selection of diffrent animals and the children really enjoyed the up close interaction. The team gave all the kids lots of time to hold the snakes, ferrets, pygmy hedgehogs, fancy mice and their two gorgeous brother and sister barn owls (the stars of the show for me)! Lots of information and facts for children and parents. Brilliant day and a massive thank you for coming. See more

Victoria Walter School Summer Fair

Ben, Puri, Carol and a selection of their incredible animals visited our prep school today to deliver 4 sessions to Years 2-6 and we were absolutely thrilled with the experience. The whole team were so knowledgeable about the animals and everyone (including all of the teachers) learned so much from them. The animals were clearly well looked after and all 3 of the team obviously cared a lot about their welfare and made sure that all of them, and our children, were always comfortable. All of the children had a chance to handle the animals safely if they wanted to, and it was lovely that some of the animals were free to roam around the floor space rather than always being held and/or passed. They gave us so much information and were able to answer all of the weird and wonderful questions thrown at them by the children. And of course the whole team are so friendly and accommodating. Honestly I've seen a LOT of animal experiences in different settings in my time and yours was by far the most educational! And probably the best experience-wise in general as the children had so many opportunities to interact with the animals and just "be" with them and around them, rather than a stroke and move on. So glad that we came across Exotic Explorers and already looking ahead to when we can have them back! Thoroughly recommend. See more

Jo Georgiou Oaklands School

An amazing day with these guys. Our school children loved seeing the animals, and the team were amazing with the children.

Kirsty Cable School Group

We are a children’s day nursery and today Exotic Explorers came to visit us with their amazing animals. We did not really know what to expect but their visit far surpassed our expectations and they were so professional. They brought owls, snakes, bearded dragons and rabbits and took time to explain about the animals to our children and allowed them to touch them. The owl even flew in our nursery. We are definitely going to make this a regular visit. Thank you so much. See more

Julian Butler Children's Day Nursery

A huge thank you to Ben and Puri for an amazing day! All the children and adults had the best time. Ben and Puri are amazing with the children and it was a great educational and fun experience. The animals are beautiful and so well loved. I would highly recommend Exotic Explorers. Wish we could do this all over again.

Jenna Carrington Local Group

I had the best time ever! 10/10. Amazing from start to finish.

Stacy Ramsey Virtual Experience for a large group

Our Brownies were really thrilled with the experience and were engaged the whole time. The group chat was ongoing with interesting questions, and the parents all commented on the group too and were really pleased with the session!

Clare Buxton Virtual Experience for a Brownies group

1 Kensington Road Pilgrim's Hatch Brentwood Essex CM15 9LG

Ben: 07877 701461 Puri: 07561 074340 Email: [email protected]

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Animal Visits for Schools and Nurseries

by Kevin | Sep 1, 2015 | Uncategorized |

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A mobile farm visit to your school, pre-school or nursery has a lower environmental impact and much easier to organise than a coach trip out. During these hard financial times you will also find the cost of our visit will be more economical for parents.

We can bring to life so many aspects of the national curriculum and engage the pupils in a very short time. We have a range of accredited lesson plans which we can deliver. We are also happy to structure the animal encounters to bring to life any particular subjects you may be teaching.

We are also happy to structure the animal encounters to bring to life any particular subjects you may be teaching.

School Visits 

Save the cost and worry of a coach trip, let us bring all the enjoyment and experience of the farm to you.

• We can provide a memorable interactive and educational farm visit to your school or nursery.
• We offer children the chance to see, touch and learn first hand about animals in structured encounter sessions, suitable for all ages and abilities.
• Each visit can incorporate different activities to suit your requirements to support and bring to life areas of the school curriculum and preschool learning.
• We can offer a full set of risk assessments for all the interactions and are fully insured with the NFU for all of our activities.

Pre-Schools and Nurseries

With our extensive experience gained from having visited many pre-school and nurseries we realize that there is ‘no set’ formula for a successful visit from Farms2ewe. We are happy For example; some clients are looking at certain themes such as movement, songs, rhymes, and lifecycles. Some prefer presentation and discussion, others like free flow activity. We will discuss your aims and objectives for the visit with you to ensure the time we have with you is optimized. 

For bookings within a one hours travelling time from our farm location we can offer you;

• Half Day Booking 9.30am until 12pm
• Full Day Booking 9.30am until 2.30pm (may decrease to 10am – 2pm if a larger distance (an hours lunch break for us and the animals is taken at a suited time on full day visits)

Booking Options

The Complete Farm Our most popular set up, this is ideal for a full representation of a ‘farm’ in your location. With this animal team we are able to generate a lot of discussion and activity directly associated with the animals and farming. The age of animals we bring is of course seasonal, but we will ensure a full and interesting range at any time of the year. 

NB  This will arrive in a large truck and livestock trailer 

Package includes:

• Pygmy Goats
• Bottle Lambs*
• Miniature Pony or Donkey
• Ducklings & Goslings*,

These animals will all be housed in safe secure pens. *  Denotes when in Season

Small animal encounter This package is really designed for locations where parking is restricted or for indoor presentations. It works well for inner city locations. If we are to be set up indoors please let us know in advance so we can bring floor coverings, appropriate equipment and animals. 

• Guinea Pigs
• Small Poultry
• Rabbits and when in season lambs or goat kids

All of these will be housed in coops.

*  Denotes when in Season

Farm to School Visits

Many preschool and childcare facilities plan an annual visit from our petting zoo. These educational visits can include pony rides or the indoor petting zoo, but the most popular farm to school activity is our traditional 12 animal pet farm.

The duration of the event is up to you, but two hours is the most common. Children are usually brought out in classes for a pre-determined amount of time.

Our staff are knowledgeable and can answer a variety of questions about the animals. While we do not have a set demonstration, the staff can accommodate most requests to discuss specific topics with your classes.

You can learn more about space requirements and other frequently asked questions for Farm to School visits while checking pricing and availability.

Farm to School Visit Photo Gallery

« back to schools and summer camps.

Chick Hatching

Live Farm Animal Visits

Bring the Farm to You!  Our live animal visits are one of our signature programs, providing real-life farm experiences for people all over Ohio.  These events make the joys of farming tangible, allowing your participants to touch the animals that provide our food and fiber.   Children and adults alike are delighted by holding a baby chick, watching a duck preen, or touching an animal whose coat could become their sweater.  This is a fabulous way to celebrate a special occasion, reward a school or classroom, or draw attention to an event at your location or business.

Live Farm Animal Visits will provide: • Chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits, sheep, & goats • A safe and engaging event for groups of all ages • Information and education presented in a fun and exciting way • An event your participants won’t easily forget

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Our reviews speak for themselves. Why not book your animal vist now!

Here's a small snippet of the amazing school visits we do...

Why Choose Zoo2U?

Specialists in exotic animals.

• Zoo2U formed in 2012
• 25+ yrs experience in zoos
• Staff qualifications - min. BSc level

Fully Certified and Accredited

• Buy With Confidence Approved;
• CRB Checked
• Fully Insured

100+ independent 5 Star Reviews

• More than 100 5 x Star independent reviews
• 100+ 5 x Star Facebook and Google Reviews
• TripAdvisor Top 10 place to visit

Wide Range of Exotic Animals

• Over 60 different animals
• Wide Range of Birds, Reptiles and Mammals
• All animals super friendly and well cared for

Area Covered

Zoo2U cover a wide area including major towns and cities such as: Manchester, Warrington, Stoke On Trent, Chester, Holmes Chapel, Knutsford, Crewe and Nantwich.

The animals are top priority so it is unlikely that we will travel outside of this radius. If you have any questions, please get in contact here.

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Zoo2U at Holmes Chapel Zoo The Orchards Farm Twemlow Lane Holmes Chapel Cheshire CW4 8DS

Zoo2U are a family run business who specialise in Exotic Animal Encouters. Their values are to bring an Inspiring, Educational and Interactive experience every time through their amazing diverse animal collection

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Contact Information

• 020 3372 4300
• We offer our services nationwide

Mon - Fri: 9:00AM - 04:30PM

Staturday - 9:00AM - 03:00PM

Are you looking for engaging Animal or Science workshops for your Nursery or Pre-School?

We have a wide range of interactive workshops for young children.  From Slime Making to our Mini-Beast workshop, we guarantee a fun and unique learning experience.

Most Popular Animal Topics

Animal education - nursery and pre-school animal & science workshops.

Introduction to animals at a young age is crucial to a child’s development and is important to their understanding of the natural world. 

This is crucial to crush any phobias that may escalate into adulthood.  Our Workshops are ideal for capturing their attention so they can learn whilst having fun in a safe environment. 

Many children grow up in a household that has no pets whilst others are in city areas and see very little natural wildlife.

From our Animals and Facts Workshops to our Seasonal Story Shows, your children will learn the basics in preparation for school whilst experiencing a wide range of fantastic animals.

Wild Science for Nurseries and Pre-Schools is a great introduction to animals and will create a thirst for learning that will last a lifetime.

All our Experts are fully DBS checked with an enhanced disclosure and will always arrive with their certificate and photo ID.

Most Popular Science Demonstrations

Wild science experiments.

Our Wild Science Experiment workshops are a fantastic way to introduce young minds to the wonderful world of Science before they reach school.

Our educational workshops with our ‘Nutty Professor’ are fun, interactive and will spark your children’s imagination. Our experiments will get them thinking how and why things occur – an important skill they will need once they get to primary school.

Our Science of Slime demonstration is available online via Zoom so even children in isolation can participate from home and join their friends.  Kits are available if your class would like to make slime along with the Professor.

With the kit, each child will have some personalised slime to take home as a reminder of what they’ve learned.

Let us put big smiles on the little children’s faces while they start their journey into the world of science. 

All our staff are fully DBS checked with an enhanced disclosure and will always arrive with their certificate and photo ID.

We’re eager to know how we can help and our lovely staff are waiting to hear from you.  Call us on 020 3372 4300 or email [email protected]

Feel like making an enquiry?

Most frequent questions and answers.

We are a UK-based company with a nationwide reach. No matter where you are you can count on Wild Science

There’s a wide range of activities for care homes ranging from Animal Therapy for general wellbeing to Science Crafts that are fun and make great gifts for visiting family.

These Activities can also be made available for bed-bound residents who are unable to make it to the communal areas.

Animal Therapy is a great activity for elderly residents and the benefits of Animal Therapy are well documented in various scientific studies. Simple interactions such stroking is beneficial to people of all ages

Studies have shown that Animal Therapy can improve;

Motor skills and joint movement

Self esteem

Verbal communication

Social engagement

Also lessens the effects of;

Different animals bring different textures and personalities. We use a combination of fluffy animals and reptiles/amphibians to maximises the range of tactile sensations that are key to the therapeutic process. We also offer Bed-Bound tours for residents unable to attend in the lounge.

We guarantee all residents will have the chance to meet, handle and interact with a range of mammals, reptiles and Amphibians. Invertebrates are available at your request.

Animals make great visitors to care homes. Animal Therapy is the ideal way for residents who may be less mobile to interact with animals and benefit from a new and unique experience.

Wild Science is the only provider in the UK to offer Bed-Bound Tours for residents who are restricted to their beds. Let us brighten their day too.

Wild Science has been the leading provider of animal handling sessions since 2014 across the UK. We are passionate about animals and science and use that enthusiasm to engage and inspire children and adults of all ages. Delivering experiences nationwide, Wild Science offer a tailor-made programme to perfectly fit your needs.

All Wild Science animal workshops can be based on your exact requirements to guarantee all learning is relevant to their studies, great for a special project or end of year treat.

All our Experts are experienced children’s entertainers so all sessions run smoothly and we keep them fully engaged throughout. All presenters are DBS checked and will always arrive with their certificate and photo ID

You can book an Animal Encounter by phone, email or through our online portal.

We always bring a mix of animals along with us, so that our workshops can be as entertaining and as fun as possible. Our Experts are well trained to teach workshops that are appropriate for Nurseries through to KS1 and KS4 students

Choosing animals for events in Nurseries, Schools, Children’s Parties and Care Homes such as educational sessions, exhibitions or Animal Therapy is a common practice, but it’s important to prioritise animal welfare in the process. This means that while you can choose animals for a session, we cannot guarantee any particular animal, as their health and well-being should always be the top priority.

A mobile zoo is a type of zoo that travels from place to place, rather than being a fixed location. The mobile zoo typically brings a variety of animals to events, schools, parties, care homes or other locations for people to see and interact with.

Mobile zoos can be a way for people to learn about different types of animals and their habitats, as well as to experience the joy of seeing and touching the animals up close. They can also provide educational programs and presentations, such as wildlife conservation or animal behaviour topics.

Mobile zoos can vary in size and the types of animals they bring, but typically include smaller animals like reptiles/Amphibians, small mammals and invertebrates.

It’s important to note that mobile zoos, like any other facility that houses animals, should prioritise the welfare of their animals. Proper care, nutrition, and living conditions should be provided for the animals, and they should only be handled by trained professionals who prioritise the animals’ safety and well-being.

Yes, Wild Science bring mini-beasts to your nursery or school for educational purposes (and care homes when requested). Wild Science can bring a range of small invertebrate animals such as insects, spiders, and snails to schools or nurseries to teach children about nature and biology.

These educational programs can be a great way for children to learn about the importance of these small creatures in our ecosystem, their behaviour, life cycles, and adaptations. They can also help children develop an appreciation for nature and promote environmental conservation.

However, it’s important to ensure that the animals are treated with respect and care. They should be handled by trained professionals who prioritise the animals’ safety and well-being. Additionally, children should be taught how to handle the animals gently and respectfully, and the animals should be returned to their enclosure as soon as the educational program is finished.

It’s also common to obtain permission from parents or guardians before bringing live animals into the classroom, and to make sure that any children with allergies or sensitivities are not exposed to the animals.

Yes; however, while it is possible to hire animals for a children’s party, there are several important considerations to keep in mind when making this decision. Here are some potential benefits of hiring animals for a children’s party:

Educational value: Live animals can provide a unique and engaging way for children to learn about different types of animals and their habitats. Children can learn about the animals’ behavior, life cycles, and adaptations, which can promote a greater appreciation for nature and environmental conservation.

Entertainment: Live animals can provide a fun and memorable experience for children at a party. Children may enjoy interacting with the animals, taking pictures with them, and learning about their unique qualities.

Experiential learning: Live animals can provide a hands-on learning experience for children, which can be especially beneficial for children who learn best through experiential learning. Children can observe the animals’ behavior, touch their skin or fur, and listen to the sounds they make.

Health benefits: Studies have shown that interactions with animals can have positive health benefits, such as reducing stress and anxiety and promoting social connections. Having animals at a children’s party can provide a positive and calming environment for children to interact with animals and each other.

However, it’s important to ensure that the animals are treated with respect and care and that their welfare is prioritised. Working with a reputable and licensed animal handler who can provide proper care, nutrition, and living conditions for the animals is essential. Additionally, children should be supervised and taught how to handle the animals gently and respectfully.

Wild Science Ltd is a company that provides interactive educational programs and animal encounters for children. Their demonstrations and programs include a wide variety of activities that are designed to engage and educate children about science and the natural world. Some examples of their demonstrations include:

Bug and insect displays: Children can learn about different types of insects, their life cycles, and their habitats. They can also observe the insects up close and learn about their unique adaptations.

Animal encounters: Children can meet and interact with a variety of animals, including mammals, reptiles/amphibians and invertebrates. They can learn about the animals’ behaviour, diet, and habitat, and can even touch or hold some of the animals under close supervision.

Science shows: These interactive shows feature exciting science demonstrations and experiments that are designed to engage and educate children about science concepts such as chemical reactions, physics, and palaeontology.

The benefits of Wild Science Ltd’s programs and demonstrations are many. They provide a fun and engaging way for children to learn about science and the natural world, and can help to foster a lifelong interest in science and learning. The programs are interactive and hands-on, which can help children to better understand and remember the concepts being taught. Additionally, the programs are designed to be age-appropriate and can be tailored to suit the needs of different groups of children, from preschoolers to secondary school students. Finally, the programs are led by experienced and trained educators who prioritise the welfare of the animals and ensure that the programs are safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

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What To Consider When Children Visit Your Animal Sanctuary

• August 15, 2022

This resource has been fully reviewed and updated A member of The Open Sanctuary Project’s staff has given this resource a full review and provided updates where necessary. by a member of The Open Sanctuary Project team as of August 15, 2022.

Animal sanctuaries can offer young folks a unique opportunity to learn about and connect with animals in a way other learning environments cannot. In particular, onsite educational sanctuary programs can create physical space for children to actively consider the perspectives of nonhuman animals and the issues currently facing them. They can also inspire them to think of creative solutions to those issues as a result. However, allowing children onsite at an animal sanctuary for educational programs like tours or special outreach events requires thoughtful procedural planning. It’s very important to create and implement operational policies and procedures that consider the unique needs, safety, and comfort of the children visiting, your staff, and your residents. These policies will help protect your organization from preventable incidents and make sanctuary visits more enjoyable for everyone. For sanctuaries who currently welcome or are interested in welcoming children onsite, this resource is intended to be a starter guide to operational policies and procedures you’ll want to consider and then adapt to your organization’s unique circumstances.

Waivers Are A Must

If you are welcoming any members of the public onto your sanctuary grounds, especially if they are children, it is critical that you have a policy of gathering accident waiver and release of liability forms as soon as they enter your property or at least prior to the start of any public visitation program that might allow them to enter into a sensitive area. Depending on your region, you should require minors to sign your waiver or have their legal guardian sign it on their behalf. We also recommend having your waiver(s) reviewed and modified by a legal professional who knows your region’s specific laws and how they relate to minors. Accident waivers are the first line of defense from liability and lawsuits in the unfortunate event that someone becomes injured or upset enough to attempt to pursue legal recourse against your organization. We highly recommend that you consider this process and policy very carefully.

Adult Supervision Should Be Required At All Times

Once accident waivers are signed, the simplest and possibly most important way to ensure a child’s safety at an animal sanctuary is to require a parent, guardian, or sanctuary representative to accompany them at all times while they are on sanctuary grounds, particularly if they are in any area where residents are present. A curious child at a bustling sanctuary could easily wander off and enter a space that could put them in danger, be it a resident’s living space The indoor or outdoor area where an animal resident lives, eats, and rests. , quarantine The policy or space in which an individual is separately housed away from others as a preventative measure to protect other residents from potentially contagious health conditions, such as in the case of new residents or residents who may have been exposed to certain diseases. area, or dangerously high loft area. By creating and enforcing a policy that all children must be in visual range of an accompanying adult at all times (or holding hands with an adult at all times in particularly sensitive areas), you can minimize a large number of potential concerns.

Of course, adult humans aren’t always the best at following rules either, so it’s important to display and review clear signage that explains your sanctuary’s rules and expectations, even if all visitors are always accompanied by a sanctuary representative. Your organization might also want to consider creating a policy and procedure for the (hopefully rare!) occasion when a parent or guardian doesn’t take your safety precautions seriously and allows a child to break your rules. A stern warning or directive to leave a sensitive area is always preferable to an injured child or resident!

Sanctuaries should also be mindful of the ratio of adults to children in a group. A tour with 5 adults and 5 children will likely have a dramatically different atmosphere and outcome than one with 1 adult and 9 children. If there are large groups of children that regularly visit, it may be helpful for your organization to specify in advance how many children can reasonably be monitored by one adult on your animal sanctuary’s grounds. You might also consider hiring additional tour guides for special events that attract a lot of children to help everyone manage and navigate safely.

Set Expectations In Advance

Prior to the start of any onsite education or visitation program, it’s critically important that children and their guardians understand that your organization is a sanctuary, not a petting zoo . It should be clear that there are strict rules for safely navigating the property and respectfully interacting with your residents, as well as strict consequences for breaking them. Additionally, if you are promoting any type of child-friendly educational tour or program in your marketing channels, it’s extremely helpful to include and describe the kind of information that will be presented so that parents and guardians can decide whether or not they feel the program is appropriate for their kid(s). Being surprised by topics that are difficult to navigate with children can sometimes lead to uncomfortable conversations between parents/guardians and sanctuary representatives.

Encourage Good Habits

One of the biggest differences between an animal sanctuary and a petting zoo An organization where animals, either rescued, bought, borrowed, or bred, are kept, typically for the benefit of human visitor interest. is the creation and implementation of a policy around biosecurity Merck Veterinary Manual defines biosecurity as ”the implementation of measures that reduce the risk of the introduction and spread of disease agents [pathogens].” and safety habits. As an animal sanctuary, it is your responsibility to ensure the physical safety and comfort of your visitors, staff, and residents at all times . We highly recommend keeping an extra stock of general health supplies and comfort items such as sunscreen, drinking water, handsoap, and hand sanitizer, in each resident living space, and encouraging the utilization of each whenever possible. While these are all important supplies to have for staff and visitors of all ages, they are particularly important for children, who sometimes need an extra reminder to take care of themselves and their health! A sunburned, dehydrated, or unwell child is not going to be one endeared to an animal sanctuary experience.

Always Be Wary Of Zoonotic Diseases Regardless of whether they’re currently displaying symptoms, residents can carry certain diseases that are transferrable to humans. These zoonotic diseases can be especially dangerous if children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals catch them. In addition to other species and dangerous diseases, this is particularly true of neonatal cows and calves with Cryptosporidium. For these reasons, it is critically important to continually practice good biosecurity and make sure that any potential risks of zoonoses are headed off by giving all visitors strict instructions to wash and sanitize their hands frequently and avoid prohibited access areas (e.g. quarantine areas and living quarters with ill residents) at all times . These instructions should be given prior to the start of any onsite education or visitation program.

Know Your Residents

It may or may not come as a surprise that it’s common for certain individual animals to act differently around children than around adults, and not always in ways you might expect. Sometimes, residents whose behavior and disposition is typically predictable towards visitors become less easy to predict when kids enter their living space. They might exhibit signs of stress or confrontation. One sanctuary reported a typically docile young cow While  "cow" can be defined to refer exclusively to female cattle, at The Open Sanctuary Project we refer to domesticated cattle of all ages and sexes as "cows." exhibiting mounting-motivated behaviors towards a young child, which resulted in the removal of this particular stop on the tour until a compassionate solution could be found. For these reasons, it’s important that sanctuary representatives and tour guides are keenly aware of each resident who could be part of a visitation program prior to the start of the program . This will allow representatives to decide whether or not certain residents would be a good fit for tour groups with children. It might also be good to preemptively restrict children (or tours entirely) from entering specific living areas.

For residents who are known to be comfortable around younger humans, it’s still important that all interactions be done under the close guidance of a sanctuary representative who can evaluate whether or not a resident is in the mood for visitors. Sanctuary representatives should also always explain how to gently and safely greet each resident prior to coming close to any animal enclosure or resident, and be able to intervene if a resident interaction needs to swiftly conclude for the comfort and wellbeing of everyone involved. In certain living spaces with particularly young children, such as toddlers, it may be best to have guardians hold them. Allowing small children to wander might result in an unexpected peck from a turkey Unless explicitly mentioned, we are referring to domesticated turkey breeds, not wild turkeys, who may have unique needs not covered by this resource. , or worse, a horned greeting from a goat!

A Word Of Caution About Strollers Some individual residents at sanctuaries have been known to react in fear of objects or devices that are unfamiliar to them, including strollers, umbrellas, and wheelchairs . For this reason, it is generally a good idea to consider creating a policy that prohibits strollers and umbrellas from entering into resident living spaces.

Feeding Concerns

Like many adults who visit animal sanctuaries, a lot of young folks enjoy interacting with residents by feeding them. Oftentimes, children will pull up handfuls of grass or other plants and give them to interested residents to attract their attention. While many of these actions are benign, unrestricted feeding can pose certain risks. For example, unrestricted feeding can pose a danger to residents due to their specific dietary needs and susceptibility to toxic plants . It can also pose a danger to children, who are at risk of being bitten by a resident who is eager to sneak a treat! For these reasons, it’s generally safest to implement and enforce a policy that prohibits onsite guests of all ages from hand feeding The act of feeding an animal by hand, such as giving a carrot directly from the palm of one’s hand to a horse’s mouth. residents or giving residents any food that is not pre-approved by a responsible sanctuary caregiver Someone who provides daily care, specifically for animal residents at an animal sanctuary, shelter, or rescue. or staff member. If you wish to give visitors the opportunity to feed your residents safe, staff-approved treats, we highly recommend a policy of providing treat bowls or buckets that visitors can add managed portions of approved food into for specific pre-approved residents. This ensures that kids can connect with residents in a satisfying and generous way without so many risks!

In addition to implementing safety protocols around foods intended for your residents, we also highly recommend establishing safety protocols around foods and beverages brought in by visitors that are intended for human consumption. Sometimes, visitors intentionally or unintentionally bring human food into resident living spaces. In addition to being mostly unhealthy for residents, human foods can encourage unsafe food-motivated behaviors from certain species like pigs. Even something as small as a stick of gum can compel a very eager 600-pound pig resident to root through the inside of a visitor’s pocket! To prevent this from happening, you can establish a safety protocol that requires all visitors to be entirely food-free when they enter near or into a resident’s living space. If they’ve brought food with them, you can instruct them to leave it in a safe resident-free space such as a picnic table, bench, or visitor center prior to entry into any resident enclosure.

Design Educational Sanctuary Programming For Kids

Kids typically engage with the world differently than adults and this is no different during educational sanctuary programming. It’s important that sanctuary educators, tour guides , and representatives are presenting information and utilizing tactics that are adjusted to the unique needs of a younger audience. For these reasons, we highly recommend creating educational sanctuary opportunities that are specifically designed for children.

Communicating With Youth About Animal Exploitation

If you offer educational programming specifically designed for children, it’s critically important that you create a space for discussing topics related to sanctuary (e.g., animal exploitation Exploitation is characterized by the abuse of a position of physical, psychological, emotional, social, or economic vulnerability to obtain agreement from someone (e.g., humans and nonhuman animals) or something (e.g, land and water) that is unable to reasonably refuse an offer or demand. It is also characterized by excessive self gain at the expense of something or someone else’s labor, well-being, and/or existence. and animal liberation A social movement dedicated to the freeing of nonhuman animals from exploitation and harm caused by humans. ) that is safe and developmentally appropriate. To help sanctuaries feel more confident in their ability to communicate with children, The Open Sanctuary Project created a resource titled “Communicating with Youth about Animal Exploitation” that provides knowledge, tips, and tools specifically intended to make discussion around sanctuary-related topics suitable for youth.

Tour Tailoring and Engagement Tips

The following list of tips for engaging younger folks on a family-friendly sanctuary tour was compiled by Alexis Miller, Educational Coordinator at Factory Farming Awareness Coalition and former Education & Outreach An activity or campaign to share information with the public or a specific group. Typically used in reference to an organization’s efforts to share their mission. Manager at Luvin Arms Animal Sanctuary:

TEAM NAME – Everyone likes to feel a sense of belonging. One way to do this with a group of young people is by establishing a team name together. This can also work as an attention-getter throughout the tour, which will be necessary to keep everyone together, as some younger kids will inevitably try to wander away from the group. To collect attention, you can call the team name and wait for visitors to respond by calling back something else. For example, if the team name is Team Cows While  "cows" can be defined to refer exclusively to female cattle, at The Open Sanctuary Project we refer to domesticated cattle of all ages and sexes as "cows." , you can shout “Team Cows!” and then the group can answer “Moo!”

CONNECTION – Focus on the connection between the kids and the animals and make the message relatable. Kids are very concerned with themselves and their peers, so talking about social practices among animals that are relatable to their own lives is important! For example, you might ask the group questions like: “What do we both have in common? Who here has a best friend, raise your hand? Non-human animals have best friends too. Who here likes a nice soft bed to sleep in at night?  Does anyone make their bed? Pigs do. Who here takes baths at home? Chickens take dust baths.”

ENGAGEMENT – Children are not small adults. They can’t absorb a 60-minute lecture. So, in order to hold their interest, you have to engage them by asking lots of questions and requesting their help. For example, you can ask a child to demonstrate the proper way to meet a specific animal (e.g., let them smell you first). In addition to boosting the confidence of the kids, this task will also come in handy when you need an extra hand !

BE EXPRESSIVE – Fluctuating and varying the tone of your voice is great for keeping kids’ attention and pulling them back in when you think you are losing them with. Sound effects are good, too. Make it fun! For example, you can add a “Woohoo!” at various points throughout your tour. You should also smile with open lips so people don’t think you’re smirking.

ENTHUSIASM – When you express with your words and your body language how important a subject matter is to you, it will rub off on your audience. Excitement and enthusiasm are like smiling and laughing. They’re contagious. So, don’t hold back your passion!

REPETITION – Reiterate your message over and over. You can even quiz young audiences on some of the fun facts you’ve given throughout the tour: “Remember our discussion about the large chickens? The pigs are large for the same reason. Does anyone remember why these animals are bred to be so large?” (P.S. – Adults need repetition too!)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT – When someone has a question or comment, you should actively listen to them and respond in a way that confirms you’ve heard and considered what they had to say: “That’s a great observation. Wow, I never thought of it that way.” Praise also enforces the behavior you want to see.

LISTENING = UNDERSTANDING – We all come from different backgrounds and experiences. In order to understand where someone is coming from when they share their perspective on an animal- or sanctuary-related issue, we need to listen to them. Children and adults also invest more in an experience when they feel they are being heard, and young folks generally have a lot to say once they feel comfortable enough to open up! The more they talk, the more you can understand about their perspective, and this can help you shape your message and cater to their needs more effectively. For example, if a young person expresses that they like pigs but not birds, you can draw more comparisons between pigs and birds while visiting with and discussing any birds. You should also consider leading your discussions with questions and listening for answers that will lead your audience down the right track.  People absorb more when they come up with the conclusion themselves. For example, while you’re looking at pigs, you can ask the group, “Do these pigs look normal to you? Do you think they are comfortable?”. If your audience does not understand the question, try reframing it in a different way.

TRUST – It’s important to create a safe atmosphere. Kids need to know that you are approachable. Think about someone who has impacted you. How would you describe them? Most humans tend to follow folks who are welcoming, optimistic, fun, outgoing, positive, non-judgmental, and approachable. They also like and retain information from folks who care about them and listen to what they have to say. Kids don’t learn from people they don’t like. By adopting these types of characteristics, you will assuredly gain the trust and respect of a young audience. People don’t always remember what you told them, but they do remember how you made them feel. So, how do you want your young audience to feel at the end of your tour?

BE YOURSELF – Be relatable, authentic, and funny when it’s appropriate. Young people can sense when you are trying to be something that you are not. So, don’t do anything that doesn’t feel right to you. Have fun!

Quick Tips to Keep Kids Engaged:

• Short words win
• Filler words (e.g., um, ok, like) are hard to follow and can be frustrating to listen to
• Be empathetic even if you don’t agree. People need to feel understood
• Try to create positive interactions
• Stay warm socially and physically whenever possible. For example, during wintertime, try to warm your hands before meeting folks
• Acknowledge when a visitor is actively and respectfully trying to understand the information you’re giving them
• Don’t judge or shame folks. Guilt can be a barrier to building empathy !

Lesson Plans For Children

In addition to offering standard sanctuary tours that allow kids to meet and get to know some of your residents, your sanctuary can also offer a variety of other fun-filled onsite educational opportunities and interactive experiences that are centered around the needs of specifically-aged children. If you’d like to learn more about some of these opportunities, The Open Sanctuary Project has created a series of free downloadable sanctuary education lesson plans for early and late elementary-aged children. They are designed to be used and adapted by sanctuary educators and representatives either as standalone lessons or as part of longer-term sanctuary education programs. To explore the series, simply type the word “lesson plan” into the search bar! There are several forthcoming lesson plans geared towards middle school, high school, and college-aged folks as well, so be sure to check back in!

Special Events For Children

Many sanctuaries also develop and offer special events specifically geared towards kids, ranging from: 

• Art, writing, and poetry courses that foster empathy towards farmed animals 
• “Read to the animals” volunteer events that offer more reticent children the opportunity to read to the residents. This can help bolster a child’s sense of confidence and enrich the lives of the residents
• Plant-based cooking courses designed for kids
• Camps held on sanctuary grounds that include fun educational activities

Family-Friendly Volunteer Opportunities

If your organization has a public volunteer program, creating ways for kids to get involved can be another great way to connect them with your residents and your mission The stated goals and activities of an organization. An animal sanctuary’s mission is commonly focused on objectives such as animal rescue and public advocacy. . This can be challenging in a sanctuary setting, where a lot of the daily tasks are often outside the scope of what younger kids can safely accomplish. However, some animal sanctuaries have found appropriate ways to do this by offering pre-scheduled family-friendly volunteering days, where they lower the standard volunteer age limit and organize volunteer activities that parents and guardians can safely accomplish with younger children.

Dream big! What can you do with your unique organization to get kids excited and engaged with your mission?

Does your sanctuary offer awesome, unique educational opportunities specifically designed for kids? Let us know! We’d love to add more ideas to this resource!

Alexis led an Empathy For Animals event, which was geared specifically towards children visiting Luvin Arms!

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A Unique Experience!

At Nunny’s Farm, we welcome visits from schools and nurseries who are looking to give their students a new and exciting experience! We can organise educational visits that will include lots of fun and play, as well as learning about our animals and their care, our plants and produce, and how our farm works on a day to day basis.

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For some children, getting out in the countryside and interacting with our animals up close is a rare opportunity, so we like to give them a completely immersive experience that they will remember for a long time.

Learning how to care for an animal is not only a practical skill to have, but it also teaches compassion, responsibility, and helps to build confidence.

Animals in Education

There is a lot of support for more animal care to be introduced into schools in order to help children empathise and understand the world around them. The RSPCA is driving for change and petitioning for the introduction of animal welfare to be brought into the national curriculum.

This push for education is also for the animals’ benefit; the better people understand the creatures around them, the better they can care for and provide for them.

Our visits are focused on hands-on learning, so your students can see exactly what it takes to care for our alpacas, pigs, chickens, cows, and so much more! We will also show them where their food comes from in our garden, and give them a brilliant insight into how a farm is run.

If you would like to arrange a visit for your school or nursery, contact us at [email protected]

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Our educational sessions give your young people the chance to get up close and personal with a wide selection of reptiles, amphibians, mammals and birds from around the world. We will visit nurseries, schools, as well as after school clubs such as Rainbows and Scouts.

Children will get the chance to handle and view the animals, and we will talk about their habitats, what they eat, as well as telling lots of fascinating facts about them.

From Early Years Foundation Stage right through to secondary, w e will adapt the session depending on the age range of the children, and our sessions are age appropriate and interactive to ensure they stay engaged throughout. 

Our educational sessions last for 1 hour, and cost £250. If you book for 4 hours, you will only pay for 3. We travel from our base in London E4 for up to 30 minutes. Any time over this will be subject to additional travel fees. Please contact us to obtain a quote. 

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We specialise in bringing a variety of friendly animals into schools , nurseries , children's centres and care homes , delivering a real hands-on educational, fun and extremely tactile experience for children and adults of all ages.

Our range of farm & small animal packages can all be tailored for your specific educational, project or event requirements. On a typical visit we will bring sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, cow or donkey and a farm dog along with any young they might have at that time.

We also have specific packages such as Autumn Animals or Nocturnal Animals that can be tailored for KS1 topics.

With the need to keep costs to a minimum and the administration involved in school visits our mobile farm provides a great alternative. Our educational packages include a written risk assessments, agreed lesson plans and all teachers pre & post visit support material.

We have £10million Public Liability Insurance Cover and our staff are DBS checked - copies of which are provided at the time of booking

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According to a recent Deloitte Report, poor Mental Health costs UK businesses upto £56 billion per annum. Efforts by employers to improve mental wellbeing not only benefit employees themselves but may also reduce employment costs such as recruitment costs and provide broader societal benefits. Furthermore the 2022 Deloitte analysis revealed that employers that invest in mental health support of their workforce can make significant gains. The report found the case for employer investment was stronger than ever, with an average £5 return for every £1 spent on wellbeing support.. . Having a little time away from the desk doing something calming and fun can leave employees relaxed and refreshed, ready to return to their work duties. To make an enquiry please complete this form .

We specialise in bringing a variety of friendly farm animals into schools , nurseries , children's centres and care homes , delivering a real hands-on educational and tactile experience for children and adults of all ages.

With the need to keep costs to a minimum and the administration involved in school visits our mobile farm provides a great alternative. Our educational packages start from under £350 with a full day package, suitable for between 180 & 210 children, costing as little as £3.07 per child. This price includes a written risk assessments, agreed lesson plans and all teachers pre & post visit support material.

Our range of farm packages can all be tailored for your specific educational, project or event requirements. On a typical visit we will bring sheep, pigs, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, a pony, cow or donkey and a farm dog along with any young they might have at that time.

Our Soft, Furry & Friendly Small Animal Encounters are ideal for smaller Nurseries and PreSchools. We will bring a selection of Bantam Chickens, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, a Pygmy Hedgehog, a Tortoise, a Barn Owl, Sugar Gliders and at least one of our lovely Dogs. We also have specific packages such as Autumn Animals or Nocturnal Animals that can be tailored for KS1 topics.

We have £5million Public Liability Insurance Cover and our staff are DBS checked - copies of which are provided at the time of booking

With all the costs (coaches, entrance fees, teacher cover etc) and the administration involved in school visits, our mobile farm provides a great cost effective alternative and still gives your children an experience that will make the day truly memorable for them.

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We have lots of lovely bunnies and guinea pigs looking for new homes. All of our animals deserve a second chance and a family to call their own. Our rabbits are health checked, neutered and vaccinated before they leave us and we offer life-long support should you need it. If you have space in your home for a couple of extra residents, please don't hesitate to get in touch. We have bunnies and guinea pigs of all shapes and sizes so hopefully have the right match for your family!

Pet Services

To help fund the rescue, we offer boarding for small animals (e.g. rabbits and guinea pigs) while you go on holiday. All animals are kept in minimum 6ft hutches overnight with access to runs on grass in a secure paddock during the day. We also offer various dog walking and pet sitting services. We can easily adapt our care to suit your pet's needs and are happy to give medication, etc. Our boarding spaces fill up fast - particularly in school holidays - so please get in touch soon! Please visit www.furlockholmes-services.co.uk to find out more about our second business and how it fundraises for the rescue.

Animal Visits

We take our specially-trained team of rabbits and guinea pigs (and occasionally ponies, ferrets, bantam chickens, snails and more) into nursing homes, schools and other residential/day care places. During an animal visit session, participants are able to have a small animal on their lap for handling. They are encouraged to interact with the animal and groom/feed/talk to the animal and we find this is incredibly beneficial for all participants. As well as this, we offer educational visits to schools and groups.

We are looking for homes...

Your generosity and kindness allows us to continue our work, what people say.

"We adopted Jasmine from Furlock over a year ago now as a friend for the boy we already had. Eleanor was really helpful with everything we needed to know, and with helping us find a bunny that Dude would get on with, was the right age, and would be happy as an indoor rabbit. She also bonded them for us over a few nights, which we really appreciated as we were worried about doing it ourselves! Jasmine was neutered and fully vaccinated when we got her, and was really healthy and happy. Would definitely adopt from her in the future and highly recommend them!"

— Sarah (adopted Jasmine), May 2020

Coming up...

Interaction with animals has many benefits, influencing not just our happiness, but our health too. Our team of specially-selected animals has visited many organisations including care homes, SEN groups, hospitals, nurseries, schools, libraries and even a church! Over the past years, research has shown that animals have the ability to decrease blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression and encourage relaxation. Interaction with animals can include watching them, stroking them, feeling the different textures of the fur and feathers, holding them on your lap, feeding them, grooming them, listening to them and so much more! We have had the amazing opportunity to experience first-hand how beneficial interaction with animals can be. One of the most frequent places we visit is Nursing Homes. We love to see the residents becoming animated and smiling as they tell us stories of pets they once had and experiences they've shared with animals. In homes specialising in dementia care, residents show compassion and tenderness towards the animals which is very heart warming to see. Children and adults who normally struggle to engage have been seen chatting away to the animals and we find this incredibly rewarding work.

Our Animal Team

We choose our animal-visiting team very carefully and, over the years, have established a group of confident, human-orientated animals who absolutely love what they do! Our animal team includes rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, a ferret, a degu, bantam chickens (and sometimes chicks), ducks (and sometimes ducklings) and even a couple of Miniature Shetland ponies. The majority of animals we use are rescues and they each have a story behind them.

During the visits, the welfare of our animals is always our priority and we will only do what we feel they can manage. The animals chosen have shown to particularly enjoy the visits and we feel they can benefit just as much as the human participants!

What are the benefits of Animal Visits?

Animal Assisted Therapy...

It has been proven that animals can lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health and release endorphins which have a calming effect. As well as the physical benefits, pets can also reduce depression, decrease feelings of isolation, encourage communication and participation, decrease anxiety and boredom and also provide comfort.

Education...

We are very keen on promoting animal welfare and one of our aims is to educate the public on the correct way to care for pets - in particular, rabbits and guinea pigs.

Where can our Animal Visits take place?

​We take our team of animals into residential homes, nursing homes, special needs schools, mainstream schools, hospitals, hospices, care homes, organisations (e.g. Brownies, Scouts), day care centres and we are often able to visit people in their own homes. As well as this, we encourage people to come to our location if this is more suitable as a wider range of animals can be seen, including ponies and chickens. We are also able to attend private events and parties.

Our only requirements are:

Enough space for the animal pen

You are within a reasonable distance of Whitchurch, Hampshire

Outside space OR easy-to-clean floors (for poultry)

A first aider is present.

What happens during an Animal Visit?

During an animal visit session, participants are able to have a small animal on their lap. They are encouraged to interact with the animal and we are able to bring grooming brushes, vegetables, toys and harnesses to help participants engage in the session. As well as this, the animals can just be cuddled and stroked for enjoyment as this in itself is a great form of therapy!

For some groups and organisations we visit, we give talks and explain what our charity does, why animals need rescuing and we tell some of the stories of our visiting animals.

Animals Take Over

Welcome to our new Animals Take Over website!

Based in Cheshire, North West England, we have a special selection of animals that Children can touch and hold, whilst learning lots of fascinating facts about each and every one of them. We currently carry out School Workshops and Parties throughout Cheshire, Liverpool, Merseyside, Wirral, Warrington, Manchester and North Wales. 

Our School workshops all link to the national curriculum and include topics such as: Pets, Minibeasts, Nocturnal Animals, Classification, Habitats and many more. We also carry out sessions at Libraries, Nurseries, Children Centres and Play Schemes. Check out the School workshops page for more information. 

If it is a party you are looking for we have 3 fantastic animal parties to choose from. These are our Cute & Fluffy Party, Creepy Crawly Party and our bespoke Pick & Mix Party, where you can choose the animals that your party guests would like to meet. Check out the Birthday Parties page for more information.

• Fully Licensed (22/AE/CWAC/004)
• Public Liability Insurance
• Full Risk Assessments
• DBS Checked
• HND Animal Behaviour & Welfare
• Over 14 Years Experience
• Year-on-Year Repeat School Bookings
• 600+ School Workshop Testimonials

School Workshops

We offer School workshops which link in with the national curriculum. From Nursery and EYFS through to Key Stage 2. Our workshops are suitable for all ages and abilities

Birthday Parties

Book one of our Animal Parties for your Child. We have three party options to choose from which all include a different selection of our amazing animals

We carry out events at Fundays, Libraries, Children Centres, Care Homes, Rainbow and Brownie Units. We can offer workshops that vary from one hour up to a full day

Moscow Zoo breeding nursery

• Vicugna exhibit

See Vicugna exhibit in Moscow Zoo breeding nursery and other exhibits in this zooinstitute

Use arrows below to see more exhibits at this zooinstitute. You can see other exhibits at zoos worldwide by clicking animal names on right

Sychovo, Russia

Animals in this exhibit:

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20 Animal-Themed Nursery Ideas to Enliven Your Little One

With a little one on the way, there’s plenty to be excited about, but equally as much to plan! Creating a safe, welcoming nursery is top of mind for expecting parents, and with so many fun themes to choose from, it’s hard to land on the one that will fit your baby’s growing interests.

One thing’s certain—animals are universally loved, and never go out of style. Animal-themed nurseries are gender neutral, versatile and timeless—the perfect combination for any nursery. Whether you want to keep it simple and subdued by adding a cute little animal-print pillow to a nursery chair or go all out with wallpaper and life-size giraffe stuffed animals, these animal-themed nursery ideas will inspire you to create the nursery of your—and your little one’s—dreams.

1. Rock It Out in Style

Similar to the above, animal-themed rockers adhere to the best of both worlds—they’re functional and decorative! Not only do rockers calm and soothe our kiddos, but there are so many fun animals to choose from to really spice up the theme. From elephants to bunnies, choose the one that best suits your little one’s imagination.

2. Add an Animal-Print Rug

Rugs are a simple way to play up the animal theme. Whether you find an animal-print rug or want to add texture with a simple shag rug, there are plenty of adorable options that can make a big statement to your animal-themed nursery.

3. Go Green for a Jungle Theme

A jungle-themed nursery is the perfect way to bring tons of color and animals into the mix. Paint the walls green, find jungle-themed fitted sheets or bring in your favorite jungle animals through rocking chairs and other fun accents. Bonus: Add “The Jungle Book” to a bedside table for a snuggly afternoon read.

4. Texturize, Texturize, Texturize

You can’t create an animal haven without different textures. There are a handful of ways to bring animal-like textures into your nursery, from furry rugs to fuzzy blankets . Why not add a bamboo seat to read to your little panda to help put them to sleep at night?

5. Throw In Animal-Themed Pillows

There is nothing cuter than a little animal face on a fun, fluffy pillow, right? Animal pillows are the perfect addition to an animal-themed nursery—or any nursery really.

6. Get Playful with Animal Crib Mobiles

Your newborn needs something to keep them occupied. Animal-themed crib mobiles are not only functional, but they also add to the decor of a safari-like nursery. Find your favorite furry friends that not only look cute but also help your baby develop their fine motor skills as they start to reach for new things.

7. Create a Modern Animal-Themed Nursery

Who said animal-themed nurseries have to be eccentric? If you’re into a more modern, minimalist look, you can still create a fun animal nursery. Look for lighter, pastel-colored accents. Choose white furniture and simplistic decor and accessories to complement everything.

8. Add a Mural

If you’re the adventurous decorator, take it a step beyond wallpaper and add a full-on wall mural. From starry nights to cactuses to fairy-like motifs, you can bring any type of animal setting into your nursery with easy-to-apply murals. 

9. Decorate the Walls with Animal Prints

And no, we don’t mean patterns—we mean prints you hang on walls! There’s no better way to showcase your favorite animal than with some good old-fashioned wall art . From lions to tigers to bears (oh my!), this is the perfect way to add a little more animal life into your nursery.

10. Find a Safari Nursery Mat

When decorating your nursery, a nursery mat might not be the first thing that comes to mind to really spice up the decor. However, they’re yet another fun way to bring even more animals into the room while providing a soft, fun place to play !

11. Add Stuffed Animals, Big or Small!

There’s nothing better than snuggling with your favorite stuffed animal at night, so why not make it part of the theme? From unicorns to lions to tried-and-true teddy bears, stuffed toys make the best and most useful decorative accents.

If you’re really going all out with your animal-themed nursery, find jumbo-sized stuffed animals to add to corners of the room. They’re fun, festive and fill up any wasted space to fit the theme.

12. Bring the Outside In with Wallpaper

One of the easiest ways to transform a room is to add decorative wallpaper. There are tons of easy-to-apply wallpapers that mimic forest trees or showcase cute animals to really create that whimsical, storybook feel.

13. Style an Animal-Themed Side Table

Side tables and nightstands are necessities for nurseries, as they hold our most prized possessions, from books to bottles, and provide space for a lamp for reading time. Plus, they leave room to add cute, animal-themed accents to add to your fun theme. Add a toy animal or more lush plants to play up that jungle-themed nursery feel.

14. Transform a Small Space with Floating Shelves

Don’t compromise animal flair if you’re short on space! Even for a small nursery , get creative by adding floating shelves for both additional storage space and to add fun animal accents like framed prints or cute little figurines.

15. Go Wild with Lighting

Don’t make lighting an afterthought! Instead, cover light bulbs with decorative light fixtures that resemble flowers or leaves to play up the forestlike scenery. Go a step further and find animal-themed lamps to add to bedside tables or animal-dwelling nightlights to add a bit of brightness while your little one sleeps.

16. Bring Animals to Bed

Who doesn’t love snuggling in fun, cozy bedding? Make sure your newborn is snug as a bug in a rug with fun, animal-print crib sheets that support the theme.

17. Activate the Serene Sounds of the Forest

Dive headfirst in the forest- or jungle-themed nursery by adding a sound machine a safe distance away from your baby’s crib. Find nature-like, calming noises to help your baby sleep soundly.

18. Stock Your Favorite Animal Books

Have the space for a bookcase ? Load ’em up with your favorite animal-themed books that are sure to become your babies' as they grow up listening to you read them.

19. Make Play Time Wild

Toys can be fun, educational and decorative elements within your nursery! Add an art easel to the corner and teach your little ones how to draw their favorite animals, or look for animal-themed puzzles to stock bookshelves and pull them out on a rainy day.

20. Don’t Forget About Wearable Animal Fun

Once you’ve nailed the furniture and decor, don’t forget about wearable accessories to further emphasize your animal-themed den! Get creative with soft, hooded bath towels , animal thumbies, burp towels, onesies and other fun accessories to complement your theme.

There’s nothing better than an animal theme. From simple patterns to updated nursery furniture to big, plush stuffed animals, there are so many ways to transform a nursery to create a safe, welcoming space for your newborn.

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Parents could sue petting farm after 20 people fell ill after visit over Easter

Parents are considering legal action after 20 people including a one-year-old child fell ill at a petting farm .

People were hospitalised with sickness and diarrhoea symptoms after visiting Gannow Farm in Redditch, Worcestershire, over Easter 2024.

They were believed to have contracted an animal parasite called cryptosporidium after parents reported there was “faeces everywhere” at the farm.

The farm has since closed for the rest of 2024’s visiting season and is being investigated by the UK Health Security Agency.

Georgia Powell, four, has been unable to return to nursery after being struck down with severe sickness and diarrhoea.

She visited the petting farm, which offers cuddles with lambs and calves, with her mother Michelle on April 1 2024.

‘There were too many people’

Mrs Powell, 41, said: “Easter Monday was meant to be a fun day out for Georgia to see the farm animals. I never dreamt it could turn into such a nightmare.

“To see your four-year-old so sick was devastating.”

Mrs Powell said she noticed issues with the farm on arrival.

She said: “It was obviously busy that day and I thought at the time there were too many people for each slot with the animals and not a lot of supervision.

“The lambs looked lethargic and unwell compared to previous visits and their faeces were everywhere, including the bails of hay set out for sitting on.

“There were so many in those pens that day that I’m not surprised to hear we’re not alone in having fallen sick.”

Mrs Powell is one of several affected people who are being supported by Irwin Mitchell law firm.

Another is Danielle Southern whose daughters Sienna-Mai, nine, and Darcie, three, both fell ill after visiting on April 2.

Sienna-Mai was admitted to Birmingham Children’s hospital to be treated with anti-sickness and rehydration medication.

Ms Southern said: “This was one family day out we’ll always remember for all the wrong reasons.

“When the girls fell ill it was a huge concern and we’re all continuing to live with the effects weeks later.”

Infection can prove fatal

Jatinder Paul, specialist public health lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who is supporting the families, urged anyone else affected to contact her.

She said: “Parasitic infections like cryptosporidium can be very serious, particularly for the most vulnerable such as older adults or young children and in some cases can prove fatal.”

In a Facebook post, the farm said: “We at Gannow Farm take the welfare of our visitors very seriously and for that reason we have decided to close for the remainder of the 2024 Farm Experience.

“This is a decision taken by the team and not by governing bodies, however we are working closely with them as always.

“All bookings for April 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st will be fully refunded, please bear with us while we work through this difficult time.

“We would like to wish anyone that is poorly a speedy recovery.”

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