Trained education staff at the Isle of Wight Zoo have been enthusing young people for the natural world and giving expert insight into conservation issues for many years. We welcome educational groups of all ages and abilities. Educational visits take place during normal zoo opening hours.
2010 Admission charges
Please note that you must book your visit in advance if you wish to take advantage of the educational group rates.
Child/student (over 3 years old) :
£5.25
One adult free per ten children
Additional adults:
£6.25
Coach drivers are admitted free.
Isle of Wight Schools should contact the education officer for information about special offers for Island schools.
Education Sessions
Experience has shown us that groups get the most from their visit if they book an education session. We make no additional charge for these sessions.
If you book a general education session your group will receive a short talk followed by a zoo tour. The content of the session will be pitched at an appropriate level for your students and will include animal behaviour, adaptation, habitats and wildlife conservation.
Special topics
Alternatively you may prefer a taught session on a particular topic. We are always happy to provide such sessions as long as we are given sufficient notice of your learning objectives.
Please also let us know if any of your pupils have specific needs.
To make your booking:
Contact the education officer to check whether your chosen date is available and to discuss your requirements.
You can do this by
emailing the Education Department or telephoning us on 01983 403883 (choose the education option).
Payment is due on arrival, on the day of your visit. You can pay by cash, cheque or debit/credit card.
If you need to amend your booking after it has been confirmed:
Please contact the education officer at the earliest opportunity if you need to change the date or time of your visit or to cancel your booking. During busy periods education sessions become booked up very quickly, so please understand that if you cancel your booked slot, we may not be able to offer you an alternative.
Risk assessment
We encourage teachers to make an exploratory pre-visit to the zoo free of charge before bringing their pupils. This will help you to plan your day in detail and to carry out your risk assessment.
If you would like to take advantage of this offer please contact the education officer to make the necessary arrangements.
If you are unable to visit in advance you are welcome to use our risk assessment to use as a model for your own.
Download a copy of our risk assessment:
IOW Zoo Risk Assessment 2010.pdf
Teachers’ pack
A downloadable Teachers’ pack is available. This pack includes ideas for activities before, during and after your visit.
IOW Zoo Teachers' Pack 2010.pdf