Department Newsletter
Spring 2025 / wakefield.ac.uk
Dear [student name], Dear student,
Greetings from the Animal Care Department here at Wakefield College.
I am thrilled to welcome you to read our departmental newsletter, an exciting new publication designed to keep you informed and engaged with the latest happenings, developments and opportunities in our amazing department.
As the head of the department, I am continually inspired by the passion and innovation that our students and staff bring to the world of animal care. This newsletter is our way of sharing that inspiration with you.
In this edition we’ll bring you the latest news from our department, keeping you up-to-date with current trends and departmental achievements. It’s an excellent way for you to stay connected and informed about the field you are about to enter when you join us this September.
We also believe in the power of real stories to inspire and guide. That’s why we will be featuring student case studies, showcasing the journeys, challenges and successes of our students. These stories not only highlight the real-world application of our courses but also serve as a testament to the supportive and innovative environment that Wakefield College offers.
Additionally, we understand the importance of experiencing the environment where you will learn and grow. Therefore, our newsletter includes links to videos and virtual tours showcasing our facilities.
We hope this gives you a lot to look forward to for September and we can’t wait to welcome you to the College –good luck in your exams!
Amy O’Keefe Head of Animal Care
Animal Care students’ once-in-a-lifetime Fiji trip with Think Pacific
20 students from the Animal Care and Travel & Tourism departments at Wakefield College embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Fiji, hosted by Think Pacific.
The trip’s itinerary was specially tailored to the College’s Animal Care and Travel & Tourism provision – with activities encompassing ecotourism, animal and wildlife care, sustainability and conservation.
During the eighteen days, students and staff from the College explored the magnificent landscapes of the island such as the Rainforest Park, the Sand Dunes National Park, tropical gardens, coral reefs and bush trails.
They observed Fijian animals in their habitats, ranging from birds to reptiles and marine wildlife, as well as learning about the welfare and veterinary care they received from charities on the Island such as Animals Fiji.
Several organisations delivered specialist presentations and projects for the group including the Coral Coast Conservation Centre, teaching them about the historical development of tourism in Fiji and the range of conservation efforts practiced on the Island.
The students expressed their enthusiasm towards experiencing a new culture; some students even conducted their own research into their destination in advance of the trip.
The trip was fully funded for the students through the Turing Scheme – one of the UK Government’s initiatives to provide funding for international learning opportunities and global mobility projects for colleges and universities.
“After developing a relationship with Think Pacific, the College decided to select one of their educational trips to enrich the students’ learning, which has all been made possible through the funding from the Turing Scheme. The trip showcased to the students the opportunities of ecotourism, animal care and sustainability in Fiji. They learned how tourism impacts the Island, its people and its wildlife.”
Henry Manwaring
Deputy
Head of Curriculum and lead organiser of the trip
Meet our newest additions to the Animal Care Department
Ziggy
Crested Gecko
+ The species was re-discovered in 1994 after believed to have gone extinct
+ They don’t have any eyelids
+ Can be found in several different colour variations
Sisu
Baby Bearded Dragon
+ LOVES to chase things
+ Native to Australia
+ Has a diet of live insects and vegetables
Zebadee
Argentine Black & White Tegu
+ Fully harness trained and loves a good walk around the department
+ Rare to find in captivity here in the UK
+ Has a diet of mice, rats, chicks and fruit
Kraken & Mellow
Axolotl
+ Native to Mexico
+ Named after the Aztec god of fire and lightning
+ Can regenerate lost limbs without scarring
Hear from our Students
Hazza
“My favourite thing about the course is that we can work with a large variety of animals such as snakes. I’ve also learnt how to correctly handle and restrain animals which I have used on my own pets at home. It’s a really supportive environment thanks to my tutors who are really understanding of my autism. After College, I would like to work in an RSPCA shelter or kennel and see myself adopting and fostering lots of animals.”
Aj“My favourite thing about the course is the people – I’ve made lots of new friends who are interested in the same things as me. I also like the biological side of the course where we learn about animal anatomy. In the Animal Care Lab, we do practical sessions such as using the microscopes to learn the difference between animal and plant cells. I currently do a work placement at RDA, a charity that gives disabled people access to horse riding, where I have put my animal handling skills to practice. After I complete this course, I want to study Animal Management at university.”
Farhan
“I study the Animal Management course at Wakefield College alongside my work placement at an RSPCA shelter once a week. I really enjoy hands-on work and being productive, as well as my work placement which has built my confidence up, especially around dogs. I have learnt a lot of animal handling and food testing skills at College which I have applied to my work placement. I get to socialise, train and feed the animals at the shelter. My tutors have been really helpful with my UCAS application as I would like to study at the College of Animal Welfare in the future and become an Animal Medicine Advisor.”
Industry Week
We Week employers from across the
We hosted our very own Industry Week featuring employers from across the country including…
Cats Protection
Cats Protection
Cats Protection hosted an interactive talk where they spoke about their mission, vision and values as the UK’s leading cat charity and invited our students to become part of their work.
Cats Protection hosted about their mission, values as charity and invited our students to become part of
The talk informed students of of volunteering with Cats such experience developing key communication
The talk informed students of all the benefits of volunteering with Cats Protection, such as gaining animal handling experience and developing key transferable skills such as communication and management.
Colchester Zoo
Colchester Zoo
Colchester the students to speak logistical challenges required of staff to ensure the zoo runs smoothly and training practices as drills.
Colchester Zoo visited the students to speak on the logistical challenges and skills required of staff to ensure the zoo runs smoothly and shared different kinds of training practices such as animal escape drills.
Students learnt about the different kind of tasks and responsibilities that zoo staff complete and the diversity of jobs in the animal care industry, including roles at their own zoo and what skills are required to fulfil these roles.
Students learnt about the different of tasks and responsibilities that zoo staff complete and in the animal including at their zoo and what are required to fulfil
Animal Raise Rescue Centre
Animal Care Students Raise Money for Local Rescue Centre
Our Level 3 Students raised an incredible £225 for local charity Millington’s Magical Barn as part of their Christmas Stall, selling a range of items including homemade dog biscuits, Christmas decorations and a self-made calendar.
Our Level 3 Students raised an local charity Millington’s Magical Barn as part of their Christmas Stall, selling a range of decorations a self-made calendar.
The money raised was donated and presented to the Millington Magical Barn and will be put toward the rescue and rehabilitation of hundreds of local animals.
The money was donated and presented Millington Magical will be put toward the rescue and rehabilitation of hundreds of
Dog Grooming Wakefield College
Dog Grooming at Wakefield College
Scan the QR code to meet some our furry clients visit for a
Scan the QR code to meet some of our furry clients who visit the department for a much-needed groom.
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