The Animal Education Centre
A New Era Begins
The animal education centre was built in 2006 as part of the Park Refurbishment. It replaced the old bird aviaries and animal compound on the west side of the Park. The site of the new animal education centre used to be the home of the old playground/paddling pool and also the east park lido swimming pool which closed in the mid eighties. Construction of the AEC began in July 2005 and took over a year to construct. It was opened on the 21st June 2006 by Kim Wilde at a ceremony.
The new site gives a more open approach for visitors to get closer to the animals. a purpose built compound was constructed for larger animals . A walk through aviary with waterfall and fish pond was built to the rear of the paddocks this is the only one in the region and the biggest in Britain at the time of opening. There is a purpose built classroom and foyer area housing snake and insect displays. also toilets are housed in this area including disabled toilets.
The new site gives a more open approach for visitors to get closer to the animals. a purpose built compound was constructed for larger animals . A walk through aviary with waterfall and fish pond was built to the rear of the paddocks this is the only one in the region and the biggest in Britain at the time of opening. There is a purpose built classroom and foyer area housing snake and insect displays. also toilets are housed in this area including disabled toilets.
Pics above from top left to bottom right . Ariel view of the courtyard / entrance to paddock area / small pond area at bird enclosure / enjoying the views from pond bridge /some of the fish and koi/ one of the 40 larkin toads. this one was sited at the AEC during Summer 2010. Below video showing some of the animals at the AEC
Theres more
The animal education centre holds many events thru the year including World Animal Day / Butterfly weekend / Themed Animal Craft Days. to name but a few. The centre has easy access for disabled visitors. But small children must be supervised at all times as wild animals bite.
There is also a large number of educational visits to the centre from various nursery's and schools. Sometimes a bouncy castle is provided during the summer months to finish off a visit to a school /nursery trip.
Another part of the work done at the AEC besides the everyday running of the site by staff is the involvement of the local colleges and schools with NVQ and work experience training courses being taken. Students learn all there is to know about animal husbandry and specialist skills to help them in a chosen career. In fact some students have gone on to work full time at the centre after finishing at college.Also along with this is a breeding program that takes place and has been successful with most of the wildlife including the snakes.
The friendly staff are on hand to to answer any questions you may have and are happy to give advice and information on what's happening at the AEC. keep a watch on the events page.
Opening times are
9.30-3.30 Autumn-winter
9.30-4.00 spring summer
closing times are also posted at the entrance to the centre. Please remember to wash your hands on leaving after touching any animals. Please do not feed the animals as some require a special diet and some foods can make certain animals very ill.Please also note no animals are allowed into the centre and cycles and scooters as well as skateboards are not allowed
There is also a large number of educational visits to the centre from various nursery's and schools. Sometimes a bouncy castle is provided during the summer months to finish off a visit to a school /nursery trip.
Another part of the work done at the AEC besides the everyday running of the site by staff is the involvement of the local colleges and schools with NVQ and work experience training courses being taken. Students learn all there is to know about animal husbandry and specialist skills to help them in a chosen career. In fact some students have gone on to work full time at the centre after finishing at college.Also along with this is a breeding program that takes place and has been successful with most of the wildlife including the snakes.
The friendly staff are on hand to to answer any questions you may have and are happy to give advice and information on what's happening at the AEC. keep a watch on the events page.
Opening times are
9.30-3.30 Autumn-winter
9.30-4.00 spring summer
closing times are also posted at the entrance to the centre. Please remember to wash your hands on leaving after touching any animals. Please do not feed the animals as some require a special diet and some foods can make certain animals very ill.Please also note no animals are allowed into the centre and cycles and scooters as well as skateboards are not allowed
Getting InvolvedNot only does the Animal Education Centre show the wildlife but helps the young get involved with nature and the environment. Running workshops on making bird food balls for the winter months and taking part in national events such as breeding places. Also how seeds germinate into plants and letting families get involved together helping educate whilst having fun.
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Above left World animal Day a some children find out and get up close to a lizard...Top right building bird feeders and Fat balls...bottom left Craft Day...Bottom right a leopard Gecko shown to the public..
Adoption & Sponsorship
Adopting an animal at the East Park Education Centre.Will help the centre further its education Programme and continue its high quality animal care.
Animal adoptions make unique gifts for family and friends.All adoptions for gifts come in a smart gift wallet.
All adopters receive an adoption pack which includes a fact sheet on you're chosen animals.A4 certificate and a photograph of your animals.You will also be invited to one of our special adopters days.Where you can take a tour of the centre to see your animal close up and ask any questions you may have.
All adopters are named on the thank you board at the centre and you will receive a news letter twice a year updating you on all the news from the East Park Animal Education Centre.
Commercial sponsorship packs are available. The first to take up this type of sponsorship is Kingston Communications.Monies raised will help continued improvements in the Animal Education Centre.
Animal adoptions make unique gifts for family and friends.All adoptions for gifts come in a smart gift wallet.
All adopters receive an adoption pack which includes a fact sheet on you're chosen animals.A4 certificate and a photograph of your animals.You will also be invited to one of our special adopters days.Where you can take a tour of the centre to see your animal close up and ask any questions you may have.
All adopters are named on the thank you board at the centre and you will receive a news letter twice a year updating you on all the news from the East Park Animal Education Centre.
Commercial sponsorship packs are available. The first to take up this type of sponsorship is Kingston Communications.Monies raised will help continued improvements in the Animal Education Centre.