🏝️Ecosystems
In this workshop, learners will look into the relationships within ecosystems, gaining an understanding of how species populations are intrinsically linked together. This will lead onto a discussion on how various biotic and abiotic factors are impacting and changing ecosystems, including the impact of human populations, and how we can measure the extent of this impact.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
Cost: £110 for one Ecosystems session for up to 30 students.
🧬Genetics and Evolution
This workshop will explore patterns of inheritances, including genetic and phenotypic variation. We will also cover cloning and biotechnology, including how these can be used within the zoo industry as part of vital endangered species breeding programmes. This will lead to an open discussion on the ethical debates surrounding the manipulation of genomes through genetic engineering principals, and the longevity of cloned animals and the implications of this.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
Cost: £110 for one Genetics and Evolution session for up to 30 students.
🦁Learning Theory: Behaviour and Conditioning at The Zoo.
This exciting workshop provides a unique opportunity for post-16 psychology students to apply their knowledge of learning theory, focusing on how we utilise theories within the Behaviourist approach in our daily routines at the zoo. Following a short session recapping the fundamentals of these theories through engaging activities, learners will then have the opportunity to observe a zoo animal undergoing positive reinforcement training, showcasing elements of both operant and classical conditioning.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
Cost: £110 for one Behaviour and Conditioning at The Zoo session for up to 30 students.
🦧Philosophy & Ethics at The Zoo
Our philosophical and ethical beliefs surrounding nature, particularly captive animals, is continually changing – in part, due to advances in animal welfare science and animal sentience. At the same time, the role of the modern zoo is changing – from animal menageries to 21st century conservation powerhouses. This session will cover topics such as individual animal welfare, population management and welfare, and the role of animals in captivity.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
Cost: £110 for one Philosophy & Ethics at The Zoo session for up to 30 students.
🌍Our Conservation Strategy
This workshop focuses on the aims and objectives of modern zoos, throughout time and in the present day. Learners will explore Dudley Zoo’s Conservation Strategy, gaining an understanding of how the zoo meets the it’s charitable objectives and the aims of the modern zoo.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
Cost: £110 for one Our Conservation Strategy session for up to 30 students.
💼Careers in Conservation
How do you get a job working with lions, giraffes and chimpanzees? Learn about the wide range of careers available here at Dudley Zoo & Castle, and in zoos around the world, and how those roles are working towards the conservation of species and ecosystems across the globe.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
Cost: £110 for one Careers in Conservation session for up to 30 students.
🐒Enrichment Workshop
In this session, learners will explore why enrichment is an important part of keeping our animals happy and healthy. Participants will then be given the opportunity to develop their own piece of enrichment for an animal here at the zoo.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
Cost: £110 for one Enrichment Workshop session for up to 30 students.
🚶🏽Zoo Tour
Learners will be led on a pre-planned tour around the zoo, stopping at various enclosures and learning facts about our animals here at the zoo. This tour can be tailored to your individual needs, so we encourage you to speak to our team and we will try to accommodate where possible.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and takes place outdoors.
Cost: £110 for one guided Zoo Tour for up to 30 students.
🏛️Tectons & The Modern Zoo
Starting in our Tecton Safari Gift Shop, this tour will give learners a chance to discover the world’s largest collection of Tectons. Learn why they were built here at Dudley Zoo and how zoo enclosure design has changed since they were first built in 1937. The tour will then carry on around our listed Tecton structures here at the zoo.
This session lasts approximately 50 minutes and does involve some outdoor/touring elements (weather permitting).
Cost: £110 for one Tectons & The Modern Zoo session for up to 30 students.
Can not find the topic that you are interested in? For Post 16 groups we can offer bespoke sessions starting from £150.
Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
ℹ️ Workshops are subject to availability. For further information or to book a visit please call 01384 215313 or email reception@dudleyzoo.org.uk
You will receive one free adult with every 7 paying students; any additional teachers/staff are charged at £10.00 each. (SEN groups receive a free carer admission per student). These rates are based upon groups of 10+ students and 10 is the minimum number of students required to run an educational session.
The above quoted costs are for one session or guided zoo tour for up to 30 students. This cost will be in addition to the admission ticket price (£9.50) that each student will pay.
We can accommodate a maximum of 30 students per workshop and for the indoor lunch sittings we can provide if requested (as these rooms can accommodate up to 30 students at a time).
Here at Dudley Zoo & Castle we aim to educate children of all ages about the natural world, conservation and history through the use of natural artefacts including skins, skulls and scales. We therefore no longer include animals in our classroom sessions. This is to help ensure that both our learners and our animal’s needs are met. Dudley Zoo & Castle is home to over 150 species which you and your students will have the opportunity to see if you book a session including a touring element or whilst exploring our 40 acre site during your visit.
Information and pricing structure updated July 2026 for 2026/2027 Academic Year
