As part of Science Week, we had another successful visit from Zoo Lab, who not only brought their animals to share with us, but their amazing enthusiastic and knowledgeable presenter Anna, and her assistant Jack.

We had three separate sessions and students were put into mixed groups. The students coped extremely well with this change and the larger groups, especially as many staff popped in to enjoy the opportunity.

Animals brought to share with us included a giant African snail, a hissing cockroach, a Chilean rose tarantula, a Horsefield tortoise, a corn snake and a white’s tree frog. Although some of the species were the same as last year, they were not the same animals.

The African snail was as large as the palm of one’s hand and definitely heavier than a common garden snail. Although informed that snail slime was reputed to be good for the skin, students were not convinced and quickly rushed to wash their hands after holding the snail!

The hissing cockroach was a new species for some students and the ancestors of the cockroach were thought to have existed during the    Jurassic period, although there is dispute over exactly how many millions of years ago, they existed, based on the dating of the fossil records.

The Horsefield tortoise is an example of another animal whose history and evolution dates back for many millions of years – this time thought to be up to 240 million years old.

The tortoise brought to visit us, was only about 5 years old and through this year’s mild winter he had not hibernated and so had remained active, albeit a little sluggish, but he certainly enjoyed being handled and stroked.

One of the animals that was not handled was the Chilean rose tarantula, but even when in her carrying cage or the presenter’s hand, several students, and staff, preferred to get to their feet and view from a distance!

This year the tree frog was indeed a large specimen, but this did not deter him from again climbing the smooth lab walls.

Finally, students enjoyed the corn snake which they were permitted to hold and feel how silky smooth they are, although quite cold to the touch.

Students showed their knowledge by answering questions, but also   asking lots of really interesting questions too.

The successful morning was recorded in photographs by several staff, but also thanks must go to Travis, who was the student photographer for the sessions.