Flamingo Land has a successful link with Askham Bryan College, an agricultural and animal management college based in York.

At Flamingo Land we also now provide support for higher learning. Our Director of Conservation Science runs modules for undergraduate, masters and doctoral students in the Environment Department of the University of York. These cover aspects of zoo-based conservation, applied ecology and wildlife survey methods. Occasional presentations are also made to park staff, local schools and various institutions and conferences across the UK and Europe.

The zoo at Flamingo Land has a successful partnership with Askham Bryan College, a local land-based agricultural college. The college provides courses from entry level first diplomas up to degree level and focuses on animal care and management. The main campus is situated near to the historic city of York, however partnerships with Prior Pursglove, Middlesbrough College, Wakefield College, Bradford College and Yorkshire Coast College, extend the courses further afield.

Flamingo Land’s Education Officer liaises with the college, providing lectures and tours to students and arranging work placements. Students have the opportunity to visit the zoo as part of their course, often behind the scenes, enhancing their learning experience. They also have the opportunity to carry out practical work experience with the zoo keepers. Many students carry out research projects at Flamingo Land on a variety of subjects including husbandry, behaviour and enrichment. On completion of projects, students provide Flamingo Land with a copy of their research for use by zoo staff.

Students also have many opportunities to work with exotic and domestic animals at the college campuses which house temperate and tropical species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

For more information on Askham Bryan College and the courses available please visit their website www.askham-bryan.ac.uk