Isle of Wight Zoo

What makes us a great choice for education?

A visit to the Isle of Wight Zoo provides students with inspirational experiences that enthuse them for the natural world and help them to develop a sense of awe and wonder that will last a lifetime.

• Fascinating animal encounters up close, to engage your students
• Brand new lion house which gives students the opportunity to FEED A LION! As part of their lesson.
• Education visits are led by our highly experienced and knowledgeable staff
• Free entry for teachers/group leaders/support staff
• Free pre-visits for teachers/group leaders 
• Free coach parking
• Free downloadable resources available to support your visit
• Great location right opposite a safe, sandy beach
• Curriculum linked lessons for all key stages

Accreditation and Awards

The Isle of Wight Zoo has been awarded the Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) Quality Badge.

What is typically included on our school trips?

• Talk and guided tour by a member of our education team, tailored to your topic or curriculum requirements.
• Self-guided resources for those wishing to spend some unguided time in the zoo.
• A very warm welcome!

Group Sizes Catered For

• Ideal group size for an education session is one class. 
• Larger groups are welcome but we may ask you to split them into smaller groups during the visit so each group has an education session while the others have some self-guided time.

Materials, Resources & Information Provided

Free curriculum-linked downloadable resources are available. Please email education@isleofwightzoo.com for more information.

Photography, Filming & Audio Restrictions

Groups are welcome to take pictures and film during their visit.

Risk Assessment Details

• A copy of our risk assessment that you are welcome to use as a model for your own is downloadable from our website or you can email education@isleofwightzoo.com.
• Teachers/group leaders are encouraged to come for a free pre-visit to carry out your own risk assessment and to plan your day. Please email education@isleofwightzoo.comto arrange this.

Education Officer Information

Tracy Dove – Education and Conservation Manager

education@isleofwightzoo.com or telephone 01983 403883 (Extension 104)

Pricing Information

See website for up to date pricing.

2020 educational group rate - £7.50 per student. Teachers/support staff free.

Clothing Requirements

t is mainly an open-air site and we recommend that our guests wear appropriate clothing for the weather and sensible shoes.

First Aid Information

We always have first aiders on site. The first aid point is the zoo shop. 

Available Facilities

• The Wildheart Café sells ice creams, snacks and hot and cold food and drinks. In the main season there may also be satellite catering outlets operational.
• The main toilet block, which includes disabled facilities and baby changing, is in the lemur zone. There is also an accessible toilet with baby changing in the Wildheart Café.
• The Wildheart Shop welcomes school groups and has a wide range of products, including pocket-money priced items. Our staff are friendly and patient with young customers.
• There are several picnic areas in the zoo, including one covered area.
• There are no age restrictions for the playground equipment. We ask teachers to exercise their judgement about the suitability of the equipment for their students.

Accessibility & Disabled Facilities

• The site is mainly level. Please note that there are gravel paths in some areas.
• Fully accessible toilets are available in the lemur zone and in the Wildheart Café.

Opening Hours & Information

• The zoo is open every day except Christmas and Boxing Day.
• Closing times vary according to season. Please check our website to find out if the closing time will be 4pm, 4.30 or 5.30 on the day you wish to visit.

Testimonials

“The education session in the classroom was brilliant. Very engaging and matched perfectly with what we learnt subsequently in class. The tour around the zoo in the afternoon was also really informative and packed full of interesting anecdotes. It made the children feel very lucky to be able to get so close to the animals with their own guide. Thank you for going the extra mile.”

“The children enjoyed all aspects of the Zoo session. However, the history behind the BIG CATS really made an impression on them which led to some excellent discussion once back in the classroom. I think they empathised with the ‘GOOD’ that the Zoo are doing in actually providing for these animals who, if left in their previous situations, would have had a dreadful existence. Therefore a greater understanding of how Zoos can in fact be good places for animals.”

“I think the session was pitched perfectly. The leader was superb with the children both in her delivery but also in the manner with which she interacted with the children. Thank you!!”

“Thank you for a wonderful visit. The children gained so much from the afternoon and we would highly recommend this visit to others.”