Primary

Your Visit

• With options for free adults ratios, a choice of two picnic areas, a simple booking procedure and plenty of space for coaches near to the entrance, we’ll take care of the details so you can enjoy the experience with your group.
• For a full breakdown of costs please see our Education Prices.
• Contact our Education Department on 01323 874117 or email [email protected] to arrange your visit.
• If you wish to visit without an education session please download our booking form.
• Please see below for details of our education sessions.

Reception

Animal Encounters

Our animal education experts guide children through handling four animals, which usually includes one reptile, mammal and invertebrate, as well as sharing fun facts about each amazing creature.

Minibeasts

From 0 to 100 legs, get up close and personal with the amazing world of minibeasts. Meet creepy-crawlies from around the globe, and see their miniature world brought to life.

Tropical Rainforests

Enter our specially designed Rainforest Room where you’ll discover a variety of animals and plants, feel snake and crocodile skins and have the chance to stroke at least two jungle-dwelling animals.

Lenny The Lonely Land Snail

This interactive storytelling session focuses on Lenny the land snail and his search for a friend. Children are encouraged to join him on his quest as he meets many different animals.

Harry Travels The World

Join Harry the rat in this interactive storytelling session, and adventure across weird and wonderful lands, meeting fascinating animals as you go.

Key Stages 1 and 2

Animal Encounters

Our animal education experts guide children through handling four animals, including at least one reptile, mammal and invertebrate, as well as sharing fun facts about each amazing creature.

Tropical Rainforests

Held in our themed Rainforest Room, this session uses images, artefacts and live animals to explore the biodiversity and of tropical rainforests, and the importance of conserving these unique environments.

Habitats and Adaptations

Try on innovative costumes and handle animal artefacts, on a quest to explore the multitude of adaptations that animals have developed to suit their environments. This session can also explore evolution on request.

Maasai Life

Dress in traditional costume, examine artefacts from everyday East African life, and explore the roles of different family members in the vibrant Maasai community.

Penguins

By popular demand Drusillas now offers a session all about penguins, covering penguins from around the world, penguin adaptations and Drusillas penguins. Learn about penguin adaptations and encounter animals from their natural habitats before visiting the Drusillas penguins.

Minibeasts

Invertebrates have become one of the most diverse, successful and fascinating animal groups on the planet. Explore their unique adaptations and come face-to-face with some of our magnificent minibeasts.

Fur, Feathers and Scales

What makes a reptile different from an amphibian? We take a lighthearted look at the way animals are classified and encourage learners to use their new knowledge to classify fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

Life Cycles

We take a look at a variety of animal life cycles, using costumes and artefacts to explain how animals grow up and become adults.

Caring for Animals

Discover how Drusillas looks after its exotic animals by learning about enclosure design, diets and enrichment. This session also looks at pet care and gives pupils the opportunity to stroke two animals.

Endangered Animals and Conservation

Learn what makes different animals endangered and how zoos are helping to increase numbers of endangered animals. Learners will have the chance to handle a range of animal artefacts on loan from HM Revenue & Customs.

Chomp, Munch, Chew

From the smallest minibeast to the biggest mammal, all creatures are part of a food chain. This session looks at what different animals eat - and how they catch their prey.

Ugly Animals

Beauty is more than fur-deep. This session focuses on the amazing adaptations of some of the world’s strangest-looking creatures, and explains why they need to be conserved.

Education Newsletter

Download our annual education newsletter, Wise Owls, for the latest news on our educational experiences and resources.