At University Centre Somerset, students at Cannington campus have access to our amazing, £1 million Animal Management Centre, providing a state-of-the-art setting for studying animal welfare and management. It has large theory and practical rooms and houses an extensive animal collection.
Separate animal areas include: domestic rabbits and rodents, nocturnal animals, small aviary birds, parrots, and squirrels. The Animal Management Centre also houses a small mammal room, with ferrets, armadillo, and degus.
There are 3 tropical/reptile & aquatic areas, housing a variety of species of snakes, lizards, invertebrates, chelonians and amphibians, as well as tropical, cold water and marine fish tanks.
Outside enclosures include birds of prey, meerkats, and African Crested Porcupines. There are also several large paddocks containing Alpacas, Suffolk sheep, goats, a Gloucester old spot pig, donkeys and a ponies nearby.
The collection overall offers a very wide diversity of species of animals all with individual needs and management plans. We offer students the opportunity to work with this huge range of animals to become competent, practical, adept animal handlers and carers. They are encouraged to take ownership of the collection and use it as an opportunity to feed their passion and develop their own managerial skills.