Our outstanding Animal Management Centre proved a huge success with the zoo community following the recent BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Reptile and Amphibian Working Group Conference which was held here at the College.

Delegates representing 36 UK zoos and four international conservation NGOs (Non-Government Organisations) were at the three day event which has been described as the best attended reptile conference in recent BIAZA history.

Commenting on the excellent feedback received, event organiser and Higher Education Curriculum Leader Steve Nash said: “This was a huge opportunity for the College to showcase our excellent resources, animal collection and confirm our position as one of the key players in the zoo community. We heard nothing but praise from delegates who acknowledged we’ve set the standard here that many zoos and animal collections have yet to reach, inspiring numerous ideas on how they can improve the husbandry at their own zoos.”

With over 500 animals from at least 100 species, Sparsholt College has an international reputation for animal studies. The Animal Management Centre holds full membership of BIAZA and was rated Outstanding by Ofsted last year. The College is also the exclusive provider of the Diploma in the Management of Zoo and Aquarium Animals – an international distance learning programme unique to Sparsholt through its partnership with BIAZA. This programme has successfully been launched in the United Arab Emirates and Latvia.

Steve Nash continues: “Our national and international teaching credentials prompted delegates to comment that they get 100s of people enquiring where they should study to become a zookeeper. Apparently, they’ll have no hesitation now in recommending Sparsholt!”

We are launching our new MSc Applied Zoo Biology degree course in 2016 – find out more.