Whipsnade Zoo Academy (15-17 year-olds)

Zoo Academy is a five-day course which allows students to gain practical experience and knowledge in working at Whipsnade Zoo. 

Our exciting animal-based course is designed for 15–17-year old’s who wish to enter animal-based careers such as zookeeping or pursue other animal science careers and studies including vets and vet nurses.

A packed timetable takes you behind the scenes at the Zoo and covers the different aspects of caring for exotic animals in captivity, including nutrition, training and conservation.

Your Zoo Academy course includes

• Five days at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
• Theory sessions and practical activities in the zoo
• Access to digital ‘Zoo Academy’ worksheets and resources
• A ‘Zoo Academy’ certificate of attendance
• A digital reference on ZSL headed paper
• A copy of all photos taken on the course
• A unique ‘Zoo Academy’ hoody
• Two complimentary tickets for family or friends on the final day of the course

Sample schedule (please note this is just an example and is subject to change):

If you have any queries or questions about the course, feel free to get in touch with us at zooacademywz@zsl.org.

Zoo Academy course details

Course length: Five days
Time: 10.30am-4.00pm for the course duration (entry to the Zoo from 10.00am)
Location: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo
Cost: £475 
Capacity: 12 places available per course
Age range: 15-17 year-olds

Spring Date:
Monday 7th April - Friday 11th April 2025

Summer Dates:
Monday 14th July - Friday 18th July 2025 
Monday 21st July - Friday 25th July 2025
Monday 28th July - Friday 1st August 2025
Monday 4th August - Friday 8th August 2025
Monday 11th August - Friday 15th August 2025
Monday 18th August - Friday 22nd August 2025

Book now

(ZSL Gold Members, Patrons and Fellows receive a 10% discount on this experience. Please enter your CRM ID in the Offer Code box. If you need to manage your booking please contact us using this form

Please note, this course is not part of a work experience programme and we are unable to complete any forms relating to work experience for this course.

Terms and Conditions

Places are sold on a first-come, first-served basis and you will be provided with a parental consent form with your ticket which must be returned to ZSL to confirm your place. Please note your child will not be able to participate in Zoo Academy unless we have received the consent form. Consent forms must be returned no later than two weeks before the course. Once payment has been taken, refunds cannot be given, and dates cannot be swapped (unless the student has been instructed to self-isolate and will miss the duration of the course).

Frequently asked questions