‘We left early on the morning of Friday the 18th of October to go on our Biology trip to Longleat. Once we’d entered the site, we drove down the extensive road overlooking the majestic Longleat house.
‘The conference hall was buzzing with enthusiasm as the education team gave the audience an insight into the endeavours they have undertaken in order to protect biodiversity and therefore our planet as a whole. During this conference we learnt about a multitude of projects going on in, and in association with, Longleat safari park, which included rhino IVF. This idea stemmed from the most endangered species on earth, the northern white rhino, as there are only two remaining females, (Fatu and Najin). In 2023 scientists and researchers achieved the first successful IVF treatment. A southern white rhino embryo (from Longleat) was implanted in a southern white rhino female, meaning the project is closer to completion. We also learnt that sustainability has an equal importance in the survival of these species and the planet and learnt about the sustainable choices they made in the park regarding purchasing, packaging, bottled water and waste. Some of which we noticed we already have around our school (such as water refill stations), but as well as this, giving us ideas on how to improve our sustainability. It was interesting to also learn how some protected species such as the red pandas (protected by the red panda trust) can in effect protect other species and cause people living in that region to have a better quality of life, showing how animal conservation can have a cascade effect on things around it. During the refreshment break, we got the chance to see the different materials they use for packaging, made out of plants and were able to speak to some of the presenters and hear more about the topics at hand.
‘After the conference we went on to explore Longleat’s amazing site; this included visiting the meerkats, feeding parakeets and seeing red pandas, as well as the other animals in the “Jungle Kingdom”, before going the safari. Here we saw lions, giraffes, wolves, rhinos, camels, bongos and cheetahs and more. Being able to see all these animals up close gave us all an appreciation for not just the beauty of these species but also the hard work the Longleat team do in order to look after and protect these species.
‘We were all (including the teachers) very sad when it was time to go home but after the day filled with fun, inspiration and memories we were inspired to make our mark by doing the best we can for the planet we live on.’
Written by Emily N and Alexa P
