Tarantulas, lizards, giant African land snails and bearded dragons were among the stars of a new student open day at held at the Animal Studies unit, Auction Mart campus, Skipton.
Activities at the event on Saturday involved handling a range of species and a dissection. Facilities and courses were showcased including a new Animal Studies unit, housing a range of animals in new accommodation and modern equipment including hissing cockroaches, Chilean rose tarantulas, black velvet stick insects and tortoises.
Current Animal Studies student Beth Buchanan is responsible for the fantastic artwork in the new unit. Beth said: ‘We now have a greater range of animals to work with which will improve our animal handling experience for the future’.
The new Animal Studies unit was officially opened by Mandie Anderson, a former Craven College student who now works at Hesketh Farm Park in Bolton Abbey and is a trustee for the Craven and Upper Wharfedale branch of RSPCA.
Mandie said: ‘It is great to see how the facilities have been extended and improved to enable students from Craven and surrounding areas to study Animal Studies in this outstanding centre. My studies at the College have been invaluable to me in my career since and the knowledge gained has proved invaluable with the RSPCA. The new facilities are a great educational asset to Craven and I wish all the staff and students the very best for the future’
Graham Hirst, Animal Studies Co-ordinator at Craven College said: ‘Expansion of the animal facilities will enhance the range of practical and observational skills opportunities, much needed in the animal care industry’
A new student said: ‘I just wanted to say that I had great fun on the open day, it gave me a real insight into what it could be like when I come to Craven College in September. I really enjoyed the day and I even overcame my fear of snakes! ‘
For more information on Animal Studies courses at Craven College visit www.craven-college.ac.uk or phone 01756 791 411. Places are still available for September 2012.
Pictures from the Craven College Animal Care Open Day for new students.
