Chester Zoo is letting schoolchildren visit for free as part of its aim to inspire a generation of conservationists.
The educational trips have been taking place since 2017 and this year 30,000 tickets are up for grabs.
Pupils from nurseries, primary, secondary schools, and colleges can take advantage of the free places, which give them the chance to explore conservation up close at the charity’s 128-acre zoological gardens.
Read more: The same Tesco items two years apart shows how much pre-pandemic prices have risen
Conservation education experts from the zoo are especially keen for the tickets to help schools in disadvantaged areas and are say the organised educational visits are designed to spark a passion for saving species.
Charlotte Smith, director of conservation education and engagement at Chester Zoo, said: “With so many species threatened with extinction, it’s crucial now, more than ever, that we all play our part in creating a more sustainable future.
"Learning about animals with our educational experts in the amazing setting of our zoological gardens can create a lifelong connection to nature, inspiring young people to take action and make a difference to the future of our planet.
“Children and young people have experienced so much disruption during the last couple of years and it’s important that they have opportunities spend time in nature, which has a whole host of mental and physical benefits.
“With an increase in young people’s awareness and desire to be involved in conservation, zoos and schools play an important role in giving them the skills and knowledge to protect the incredible biodiversity of our planet.”
Staff at the wildlife charity are leading calls for educational reform and are championing a move to see conservation education, including issues such as climate change and sustainability, embedded into the curriculum nationwide, having already seen it work successfully in the north west of England.
The initiative has already seen tens of thousands of children visit the zoo free of charge.
Visits are available on weekdays between November 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023. Home educators are eligible to apply as a group through a Home Educators’ Network.
To apply you can download an application form here and send it to learning@chesterzoo.org by February 28, 2022.
