In February our Year 12 Biologists visited Chester Zoo to investigate the role that zoos play in the conservation of species, and learn more about the impact of oil palm plantations on deforestation.

The students were given a guided tour of the Islands and the orangutan enclosures, where they heard how the zoo's breeding programmes and community education projects in places like India, Indonesia and the Americas are helping to regenerate populations of some of the most endangered species on the planet, such as tigers, elephants, orangutan, endemic bird species and black rhino.

They were also given a fact-finding challenge to introduce to them to the fundamental knowledge related to evolution of species, adaptations and conservation strategies used in the wild and in the zoo.

The day was definitely enjoyed and appreciated, with one student commenting: "That was literally the most fun I've had in ages!"