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As part of their time at Chester Zoo, students develop, conduct, and present an independent behavioural study on a species of their choice.

Zoology with Animal Management Students begin Chester Zoo experience

Bangor University students have spent their first of several days at Chester Zoo as part of a unique partnership between the two organisations.

The innovative programme is part of the Zoology with Animal Management degree, which is the only undergraduate degree in the UK that Chester Zoo directly partners with.

It combines Bangor’s academic excellence in zoology with the zoo’s expertise in animal husbandry, welfare, and conservation science, and is now in its second year of running.

The degree offers students unparalleled access to industry experience within the operations of a major conservation charity.

Dr Rhea Burton (far right) with the 2024/25 Zoology with Animal Management cohort, several of whom drew on their experience of the partnership to secure positions within the zoo industry prior to graduation.
Dr Rhea Burton (far right) with the 2024/25 Zoology with Animal Management cohort, several of whom drew on their experience of the partnership to secure positions within the zoo industry prior to graduation.

Dr Rhea Burton, who created and runs the Zoology with Animal Management course at Bangor University, developed the degree in response to growing student demand for more applied study options, drawing on her own experience of working in zoos.

“When I joined Bangor, I found many students wanted something that was more industry focused, particularly within the zoo sector,” said Dr Burton.

“Developing the Zoology with Animal Management degree allowed us to fill that gap and create something genuinely unique. The zoo industry is very competitive, and this degree provides an excellent platform for students wanting to enter that career,” she added.

The idea for the collaboration grew from discussions between Dr Burton and Liz Webb, Conservation Training Academy Manager from Chester Zoo, who recognised the potential for a formal partnership.

“We’ve worked with Bangor University for many years and have always been impressed by the quality of their students.

“Bringing together the UK’s leading zoo and a leading university benefits both skills development and conservation,” said Ms Webb.

  The partnership continues to strengthen Bangor University’s reputation for delivering industry-relevant education that supports student employability while contributing directly to global conservation goals.

Find out more about the Zoology with Animal Management degree by following the link https://www.bangor.ac.uk/courses/undergraduate/c335-zoology-with-animal-management-bsc-hons

Watch a video about the unique partnership between Bangor University and Chester Zoo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11_z1HLg4l4