Bede’s School in Eastbourne is helping to save a species with its zoo

But then again, it’s not every school that has a zoo.

Pupils at Bede’s in Eastbourne are central to a European programme designed to protect the grandidier’s vontsira, a little-known species of mongoose which lives in a small south-western area of the Indian Ocean island.

With just 1,000 remaining, it is feared a single typhoon could wipe them out.

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As part of a drive to save the species, nine are now being held in captivity in Europe with the hope that they will breed.

Four are at Chester Zoo, a further two at Magdeburg Zoo in Germany – and three are living at Bede’s.

The 820-pupil school was chosen because it is one of the only schools in the UK to have a zoo on site with its own zookeeper, a specialist team of assistants and pupils training in animal management.

A Grandidier's vontsiras (Image: Bede's)

Bede’s Zoo was set up ten years ago “on a shoestring” but has since grown to include 16 separate enclosures with 70 different species of mammal, reptile, amphibian and bird. About 18 sixth formers every year study BTEC Animal Management at the school – a course usually only available at specialist colleges.

“For the children who are involved in this very special project, it is an extraordinary privilege to look after these animals and work with them,” said deputy head John Tuson, who has overseen the development of Bede’s Zoo.

“Bede’s is an ideal location for the Grandidier's Vontsira because it’s quiet and they are not disturbed very much. We are really hoping that they will breed over the coming year.”

Head zookeeper Hannah Spurgeon has taken in specialist advice to make sure the school is doing everything they can to keep the Grandidier’s Vontsiras healthy and happy. So far, they have proved to be quite easy customers.

Named Ricky, Tripod and Timmy, the animals have two indoor enclosures and also two outdoors, paid for by the family of a pupil who enjoyed working with animals at the school.

“I was slightly worried they might not settle, but they’ve been absolutely at home since the day they arrived,” said Mr Tuson. “Like all carnivores they sleep quite a lot, but they also enjoy looking for food and they are interested in what’s going on around them. They’re incredibly chilled.”

A pupil and a binturong (Image: Bede's)

The zoo became a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2020 and is situated at the heart of Bede’s 100-acre campus. It also hosts one of the school’s most popular activities, the Zoological Society, and often welcomes visits from primary schools.

“It is a truly unique facility,” said Mr Tuson.

“It’s a zoo which is not only a teaching resource, but also allows pupils to participate in national and international programmes which benefit wildlife.”