Industry-Led Education & Specialist Rescue
Zoological Education & Animal Welfare Prospectus
Lead Practitioner (Animal Educator) : Mo
Expertise: 19 Years Industry Experience & Former Zookeeper
Founded and led by a former zookeeper with nearly two decades of professional experience, Animals in Hands is a practitioner-led educational service. We provide high-level scientific engagement, bridging the gap between academic theory and zoological reality.
Industry-Led Education & Specialist Rescue
Founded and led by a former zookeeper with nearly two decades of professional experience, Animals in Hands is a practitioner-led educational service. We provide high-level scientific engagement, bridging the gap between academic theory and zoological reality.
With 19 years of hands-on husbandry across 70+ species, Mo delivers a level of specialist insight that only a veteran of the zoological industry can provide.
We are a working hub for over 150 animals. Our sessions utilize these rescues to teach empathy, responsible pet ownership, and the complex ethics of the global exotic pet trade.
We operate a strict 1–2 day weekly work rotation per animal. This ensures our residents live a life of rest and enrichment, maintaining the highest standards of psychological and physical wellbeing.
Animals in Hands Education Hub
Animal‑Assisted Wellbeing Sessions
We visit a wide range of settings across the region, and alongside our educational displays, we are frequently invited to deliver dedicated wellbeing sessions — including for school staff and PTA groups — designed to support and boost mental health and relaxation.
Our animal‑focused experiences provide wonderful opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether helping individuals gently overcome personal challenges, build confidence, or simply enjoy calm, meaningful interactions with a fascinating variety of animals — these encounters are proven to ease stress, lower anxiety, and help reduce feelings of social anxiety in a safe, supportive environment.
Every session is thoughtfully planned to be enjoyable, engaging and therapeutic, showing how connecting with nature and wildlife can bring real benefits to emotional wellbeing and mental health — all delivered with our usual high standards and animal welfare always at the heart of what we do.
what we do
Academic Framework
We provide practitioner-led workshops mapped to specific Science and Geography objectives.
National Curriculum (EYFS – KS4)
Understanding the World. Sensory-led discovery focusing on "Gentle Hands" and life cycles.
Specialist support for Year 1/2 Animal Structures, Year 3 Skeletons & Muscles, Year 4 Digestive Systems, and Year 6 Evolution & Inheritance.
Technical deep-dives into Bio-mimicry, Genetic Variation, and Biodiversity. We provide live specimens for data analysis and evolutionary study.
Professional "live model" sessions for GCSE/BTEC Art and Photography, focusing on macro textures and anatomical movement.
Colleges & Further Education (BTEC/Level 3)
Professional training for aspiring veterinary nurses and zookeepers. Focus on handling techniques, restraint, and specialist environmental management (UVB/Thermoregulation).
Debating the role of sanctuaries, the legislation of exotic animal keeping, and the realities of rescue rehabilitation.
Universities & Higher Education
Facilitated observation sessions for Zoology and Psychology degrees, focusing on social hierarchies, innate vs. learned behaviours, and animal cognition.
Evidence-based animal-assisted interventions designed to measurably reduce student cortisol levels during exam cycles and Freshers' Week.
Common Questions
Professional Integrity & FAQ
What is the benefit of a practitioner-led visit?
Unlike general “animal encounters,” our sessions are led by an industry veteran. This ensures scientific accuracy, professional safety protocols, and a deeper level of vocational insight for the students.
Why a 1–2 day work limit for the animals?
As a rescue-led organization, welfare is our primary core value. Limiting outings ensures that “work” remains a stimulating enrichment activity rather than a stressor, allowing our animals to thrive in their permanent habitats.
How do you handle school and campus safety?
We provide a comprehensive Teacher’s Welcome Pack containing venue-specific Risk Assessments, Insurance certificates, and our 5-star License as standard.
