ZOOS haven’t always had the best of reputations. Many people believe wild animals are best kept in the wild. Shoddy conditions in some zoos in the past did little to change their minds. Conditions in most UK zoos have improved greatly in recent years, however. And many play a vital part, through breeding programmes, in helping save species threatened by extinction.

The wildlife and conservation park at Askham Bryan College is effectively York’s own miniature zoo.

It is very much a teaching zoo, where students learn the latest animal management skills, as well as about conservation and ecology. The zoo is helping train a generation of experts who will continue the fight to save endangered species, in other words. But it is also a delightful place to visit. Win win all around...