Courses and Workshops

SEEC 13-16th Feb 2012

Howletts and Port Lympne believe firmly in being an educational resource, not only to our visitors but also to those who are planning to become or are already keepers.  Promoting enrichment is key to animal welfare and fulfilling our conservation goals and we aim to pass this on through courses and workshops that we run at our parks in Kent. Below is more information on currently available courses; registration forms and information on discounted accommodation are available on request. Please note that payment for courses must be received within 2 weeks of confirmation of the registration form to secure your place.

New Date for Student Environmental Enrichment Course (SEEC): 13 - 16th February 2012   

Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks are pleased to host the 10th Student Course on Environmental Enrichment, run by Mark Kingston Jones and Chris Hales, in collaboration with keepers from both institutions.    This course is designed around the Shape format and accredited by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).  This course is designed specifically for college and university students (past and present) who do not currently work within a zoo setting, but are looking to do so as a career. Over 3½ days students will gain a background in animal welfare and enrichment, dealing with welfare needs of different species, as well as providing practical skills in designing, building and testing enrichment within the settings of both Howletts and Port Lympne Wild Animal Parks, in Kent.    Our aim is to provide valuable experience and an overview of additional useful skills to a would-be keeper's CV.  Please note you must be 18 or over to attend this course.  Places are limited so please register early to avoid disappointment.

Download pdf for more details.

Here's what some of the students thought of the course:

"The Student Enviornmental Enrichment Course was a wonderful and enlightening experience.  Being an MSc student, it was a pleasure to get hands-on experience in a zoo setting, speak with zoo keepers and have our end result be beneficial for the animals.  I recommended this course to all my fellow classmates!" Anne Jacobs, MSc Student.