Knockhatch Adventure Park re-opens its doors to school groups

Pupils at Ore Village Primary and Bede’s School were allowed to hold and stroke some of the park’s reptiles, insects and guinea pigs.

Animal keepers also gave the children a talk about the behaviours, diet, life span and other facts about the animals.

During lockdown, the park had organised "animal assemblies" over Zoom for schools, featuring meerkats and owls.

Keepers gave facts about the animals over a live stream, with children asking their questions through the camera or via teachers typing in comments.

The assemblies offered children something new and exciting while being stuck at home due to coronavirus.

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Head animal keeper Ben Anderson said: “The children were probably more excited to see animals on Zoom rather than their teachers.

“It has been so encouraging to see the same schools participating with our animal encounters in the park.”

Before the pandemic, animal encounters took place in a barn at the park, but now take place in an open air owl display field.

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While the park was closed, the animals continued to have daily contact with keepers.

However, Mr Anderson explained that joeys born last year have been more timid than those born so far this year, as more people have been walking through their enclosure.

The park has been re-open since April 12 with restricted numbers, with other areas of the park due to reopen from July 24.

Mr Anderson added: “The park is huge and we are ready to welcome everyone through our gates.”

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