Blackpool Zoo’s Education Academy hailed as top class at prestigious industry awards!

Blackpool Zoo’s Education Academy has been hailed top class after picking up an award at the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) 50th Anniversary ceremony.

The Lancashire attraction took home the Silver Award in the BIAZA Education Awards Category after it was recognised for its Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award Course, which was hosted at Blackpool Zoo.

Run in conjunction with Duke of Edinburgh Award provider, Sam Sykes, the course aims to inspire and transform young people by giving them life-changing opportunities.

The zoo-based course was designed to fully encompass the key principles and values of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, creating a specialist Gold Award in a unique zoo setting, which allowed students to build up a knowledge and understanding of animal species and the roles and work of a modern zoo.

Natalie Ward, Head of Education at Blackpool Zoo, said: “We are delighted to have taken home the Silver award at BIAZA’s 50th Anniversary awards ceremony.

“The Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award Course is one of the most popular and successful courses run by Blackpool Zoo so it is great to see the work done by my team in the Education Department is being recognised and rewarded.”

The ceremony was held at Marwell Zoo on Wednesday 8th June, following a major conference, which saw representatives from BIAZA’s members come together to celebrate the association’s huge milestone.

This is the second time Blackpool Zoo’s Education Department has been recognised by these prestigious zoo industry awards in as many years. Last year Natalie scooped the Rising Star award for her outstanding contribution to Blackpool Zoo and the BIAZA community.

Blackpool Zoo’s brand new, state-of-the-art Education Academy boasts hands-on nature and wildlife learning in a stimulating, inclusive environment.