Safari Park Presents to Parliament

A member of staff at West Midland Safari Park has had the honour of presenting to members of parliament, about the amazing work the Education Team do at the tourist attraction.

Chloe Walton-Stenson, Senior Education Officer, was invited to speak at the All-Party Parliamentary Group, on behalf of BIAZA and chaired by Labour MP, Sarah Champion.

Peers and MPs listened to how the Education Team at the Park, actively engage learners of different ages, why there is a need for age-diverse education within zoos, with the example of Chloe’s award-winning Amateur Zoologist Club.

Chloe’s award came from BIAZA for the Education Team’s Amateur Zoologist Club, which was set up in 2022, working with the Park’s local ‘University of the 3rd Age’, providing members with chances to learn a variety of zoological topics and get closer to nature.

Chloe said, "Being invited to share the fantastic work we do as part of education at West Midland Safari Park, with members of parliament was an honour and a very exciting opportunity. Bringing conservation education to learners of all ages, but especially mature learners, is one of my favourite parts of my job role, so it was incredibly special to share this with a new audience. It is vitally important that zoos value everyone who wants to learn about biodiversity, as we can all play in part in protecting the natural world.”

Alongside Chloe, there were presentations from Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm on their fantastic work, improving accessibility at their site and Dr Jo Judge, CEO of BIAZA, lead discussions on behalf of the zoo members present.

Dr Jo Judge said, “The extinction and climate crisis means it’s more important than ever our politicians are thinking about how to empower people of all ages to take action. Chloe did a fantastic job representing the work of good zoos and aquariums, to inspire people to take care of the natural world and then help them to take action to protect the planet. BIAZA members such as West Midland Safari Park are committed to creating a better world through conservation and education."

As well as the Education Team’s involvement with mature learners, Chloe also talked about the Park’s commitment to supporting local schools and charities, and opportunities for the Park’s animal care students, who take part in courses onsite at the Park’s Safari Academy.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group was held at Portcullis House, a government office for Parliamentary staff, in London, on 5 December.

Further information about West Midland Safari Park is available from the Park’s website www.wmsp.co.uk or by telephone 01299 402114. Find out more on the Safari Park’s official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WestMidSafari.