Ethan's Blackpool Zoo experience
Ethan Davies successfully completed the Sam Sykes Zoo Keepers’ Residential Programme at Blackpool Zoo to fulfil the residential component of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award.
The teenager flew independently from Cyprus, where he was based during the summer holidays, to the prominent attraction, where he spent a week with zoo staff and other people using the programme from across the country.
The five-day residential involved learning the work and role of a modern zoo, with important elements such as research, conservation, education and recreation featuring prominently throughout.
A large number of other components including the relationships between zoos and conservation, animal welfare, wildlife enrichment, enclosure usage and food preparation were also part of the programme, and Ethan was also given the opportunity of feeding some of the animals himself.
The programme also focused on academic elements, improving presentation skills and engaging with the public.