We are delighted to introduce our new Home Education Sessions for September 2024!
These three dedicated days for home educators offer a unique opportunity for discovery and inspiration exploring the captivating world of cat species.
Throughout these half-day sessions, participants can engage in a variety of activities, talks, and interactive workshops carefully crafted to captivate learners of all ages. Join discussions with our knowledgeable Conservation Education team as they share insights into the remarkable adaptations of different cat species. Delve into the secrets of feline biology, ask burning questions, and gain a deeper appreciation for how these majestic creatures have evolved to thrive in their environments.
We are a small, closed sanctuary not normally open to the public. These education days are designed for learners aged 5-16 with up to two accompanying adults. Younger siblings may attend but please note we lack the facilities to cater for such a young age as there are no play areas, so we ask that you are mindful of younger siblings taking up a learner space. Each session has a maximum of 50 people with tickets being sold on a first come first serve basis. This is inclusive of the learners attending, and accompanying siblings and adults.
Due to having a small Conservation Education team, we have tried to cater for a wide range of ages and learning needs so there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you would like to learn more or ask questions, please speak to one of the Conservation Education team. We will be wearing badges and will be very happy to talk to you!
Booking is required for every Home Education Day you wish to attend, and tickets must be shown to gain entry to the sessions. There are no on the day admissions.
The Big Cat Sanctuary reserves the right to cancel sessions if fewer than 5 people are booked into a single session. We will notify all participants with no less than 3 days’ notice.
Cost to visit:
Learner ticket 5-16 years – £12.50
Adult – £12.50
Child 2-4 years – £3
Under 2 free
Behaviour Code of Conduct: The welfare of our cats is of the upmost importance. Please read the Behaviour Code of Conduct to ensure yourself and all our guests get the best from your day with us. If you book one of the themed Home Education Sessions, we will assume that you have read these rules and that you agree to them.
Activity Packs: To enhance your learning experience, we offer packs with theme-related activities for you to do around site at your own pace. There are differentiated levels of activity indicated by the number of paw prints for you to choose the challenge that suits you best. Included will be some further learning for you to take home! These packs are available to rent for free and must be returned in their original condition at the end of the day. Please indicate if you would like to reserve one when booking, extra packs will not be available on the day.
Mini-Meet: These mini-meets provide an opportunity for you to see one of our cats up close with a member of the team giving you an insight into their species. Please note there is no handling of the cats during this and guests will view from behind a safety barrier.
Workshop: Join one of our Conservation Educators in the Conservation Hub for a 30-minute workshop session with accompanying videos and activities. Workshops are on a first come first serve basis for maximum of 30 participants, inclusive of learners, adults and siblings. Spaces must be reserved during booking. Siblings are welcome to attend the education sessions but to ensure a positive learning environment, must not disrupt the workshop or may be asked to leave.
The workshops will be repeated twice daily and leaving from our meeting point promptly! We will be unable to welcome any late comers to the session once the doors have closed or talks have begun.
Please dress appropriately for the weather! Most of the activities are outside and we can get muddy if it rains. Feel free to bring any of your own learning materials such as notebooks, worksheets and pens.
We have sensory bags available to rent onsite for a small refundable deposit at Heritage Lodge. There is a limited amount of these rented on a first come first serve basis. Please see here for site accessibility information.
The Big Cat Sanctuary is a cashless site so if you are wishing to purchase anything from the gift shop you will need to pay via card. Alternatively, you can take advantage of our education souvenir goody bags offer for a memento of your day. Goody bags will be available to purchase in the gift shop.
The Sanctuary cannot provide hot meals onsite, we will be offering light snacks such as sandwiches, crisps, tea and coffee to purchase, or you are welcome to bring your own snacks.
9:30-13:30 – Monday 2nd (SOLD OUT) or Monday 9th September 2024
Join us and learn all about the unique adaptations of various cat species from around the globe that have enabled these magnificent creatures to thrive in their respective habitats. Learn about the stealth of the jaguar, the agility of the cheetah, the climbing prowess of the snow leopard, and much more. Participate in hands-on activities that demonstrate key concepts related to cat adaptations. From examining claws and teeth to exploring camouflage techniques.
Activities on the day:
- Workshop in the Conservation Hub at 10:00 and 12:00. Learn about specific adaptations! Both workshops will be covering the same material, but with the facilities limited to 30 people (including learners, adults and siblings) booking will be required to attend a session.
- Mini-Meet with our cheetah* to delve into their incredible adaptations for speed! 10:45 and 12:45. This will be the same Mini-Meet repeated.
*Please be aware that the featured animal may change on the day due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Exploration Station with one of our Conservation Educators, allowing hands-on exploration of cat artefacts and an opportunity to talk to our team.
- Discovery Boxes available to borrow from the Exploration Station.
- Activity pack with adaptation themed activities to complete on your way round.
9:30-13:30 – Monday 16th September 2024
For learners who have a keen interest in the arts and the amazing world of big cats, this day should be the perfect opportunity to engage with cats and conservation from a more artistic perspective. You may be exploring cat anatomy through investigating and sketching replica big cat skulls, creating portraits or honing your photography skills using our very own big cats as your subjects!
For an additional charge, there is the opportunity to take home your own Kasanga the lion Cardimal®. Modelled after our very own handsome African lion Kasanga, these recyclable cardboard puzzles offer a hands-on challenge that you can decorate here on site or take home to do later.
Activities on the day:
- Workshops in the Conservation Hub at 10:00 and 12:00. Learn about cats in Art History! Both workshops will be covering the same material, but with the facilities limited to 30 people (including learners, adults and siblings) booking will be required to attend a session.
- Mini-Meet At the mini meet sessions, one of our keeper team will introduce you to our amazing tigers*. Learn about their amazing camouflage and how each species of tiger is adapted to different types of habitats. 10:45 and 12:45. This will be the same Mini-Meet repeated.
*Please be aware that the featured animal may change on the day due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Exploration Station One of our Conservation Educators will be hosting a discovery table throughout the day. Take the opportunity to get face to face with some replica cat skulls! You can also try your hand at sketching the interesting shapes and details while learning about the specialised adaptions cats possess which make them such amazing predators. One of our resident photographers will hopefully be on hand to give you some wildlife photography tips.
- Discovery Boxes available to borrow from the Exploration Station.
- Activity pack with activities to complete on your way round. You might want to bring your own sketching tools or cameras too.
9:30-13:30 – Monday 23rd or Monday 30th (SOLD OUT)September 2024
Whether you’re a budding zoologist, a passionate advocate for animal welfare, or simply curious about the inner workings of a zoo, our Extraordinary Exhibits session explores the world of life here at the Sanctuary and the dedicated care that goes into looking after our amazing cats. This event offers an educational experience, allowing participants to gain insight into welfare, enclosure design, and enrichment.
Activities on the day:
- Workshops in the Conservation Hub at 10:00 and 12:00. Learn about enclosure design! Both workshops will be covering the same material, but with the facilities limited to 30 people (including learners, adults and siblings) booking will be required to attend a session.
- Mini-Meet with our pumas*. Learn about how their enclosure has been designed to meet their needs and adaptations. 10:45 and 12:45. This will be the same Mini-Meet repeated.
*Please be aware that the featured animal may change on the day due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Exploration Station hosted by one of our Conservation Educators, the discovery table allows for hands-on exploration of cat artefacts and an opportunity to talk to our team. Whilst you’re there, take a look at our building brick conservation scenes and enrichment for our cats!
- Discovery Boxes available to borrow from the Exploration Station.
- Activity pack with activities to complete on your way round.