Great excitement at Cirencester College, as construction of a new mini zoo area reaches completion.
This development, which has been underway since December 2024, is an extension of the College’s existing Animal Centre, and comprises: two aviaries, an open-top enclosure, two mammal enclosures with climbing zones for arboreal species, a new isolation and food prep unit, and multiple goat areas.
The extension of the Animal Centre will allow for a variety of new species to be added to the College’s animal collection, providing T-level Animal Care and Management students the opportunity to gain experience working with zoo-type species and hoof stock. Working with such species will also support a number of units on their course, including biosecurity, legislation, enclosure design, and animal behaviour and enrichment.
The zoo area was built by Cambrian Civil Engineering and Zoological Fabrications.
Asia Surplice, Animal Centre Manager at Cirencester College, said “ZooFab have now completed construction works for our mini zoo and we are absolutely delighted at the results – 6 spacious striking enclosures each designed for different species. The technician team and I are now working hard to find animals to fill them and have ideas for several species of birds and exotic mammals. Animals such as meerkats, mongoose, primates, lovebirds, magpies, finches, and more are all being discussed. Not only this but our much-anticipated Golden Guernsey Goats will be arriving in June which we hope will bring some mischievous characters to the animal collection. Keep an eye out on the college socials as there may be some exciting animal announcements within the coming months!”
Abbie Organ, Course Team Leader for T-level Animal Care and Management, said “This is an incredibly exciting project and will be a huge asset to our learners at the College. With the introduction of the Animal Care and Management T-level and our T-level Foundation Year programme at the College this year we have been keen to ensure that our facilities provide a real-world work environment for our learners and this new development will do just that; learners will be able to work with zoo-type animals and structures, they will have access to livestock to develop experience in a small holding environment in addition to our already existing facilities with exotics and commonly kept domestic species. This is such a positive development in our department, and we are so proud of the huge benefit this will have to our learners going forward.”
Edward Bostock-Howard, founder of Zoological Fabrications (ZooFab), said “We are so happy with the outcome of this project. Working alongside Asia and the team, we produced a design that works for both the animals and Animal Care and Management students and staff, facilitating the delivery of high-quality practical sessions at a level reflective of modern zoo husbandry standards. Through utilising a variety of materials, from knitwire mesh to concrete rockwork, not only is the functionality of these enclosures excellent, but also aesthetically pleasing.”
Christian Chambers, General Manager of Cambrian Civil Engineering, said “We’re proud to have supported Cirencester College in delivering the new Zoo Area. This has been a fantastic project that not only enhances the student learning environment, but also reflects our commitment to creating functional, high-quality spaces through collaborative working. It’s been a pleasure working with the College team, and we’re delighted to see the centre nearing ready for use.”
If you are interested in Animal Care courses at Cirencester College, you can find lots of information here
