TikTok star with over 30 million followers attends launch
Jimmy Doherty says the unit is ‘one of the best I have seen in the country’
An animal centre in Suffolk has just benefited from a £500k facelift.
Based at the Suffolk Rural campus of Suffolk New College, situated eight miles north of Ipswich, the educational facility has been upgraded to help improve and support the learner experience.
Funded by the UK Government, through the Local Skills Improvement Fund from the Department for Education and local funding agreed by East Suffolk Council, the building was officially launched during an evening event.
The idea behind the scheme is to ensure that animal centre learners have access to a wider range of species to equip them for the world of work, enabling them to apply for jobs in zoos and animal attractions, as well as pet businesses.
New animals to be housed in the centre will include capybaras, who will join meerkats, snakes, rabbits and a giant tortoise called Bowser.
Alan Pease is the principal and CEO of the college. Mr Pease said: “It’s a spectacular unit. Animal studies is our biggest area of provision at Suffolk Rural, and I believe our numbers will continue to rise thanks to these facilities.
“The investment has helped transform the unit and will give people the skills and experiences they need to be a success in the industry.
“It will rival visitor attractions around the county and country – and it will help put us on the map. With support from Jimmy’s Farm and others, we will get access to a broader range of species, and it will help enhance the learning opportunities of our students.”
Guests at the preview of the new facilities included Kyle Thomas, a social media influencer who has over 30 million followers on TikTok.
Mr Thomas – a content creator, conservationist and animal advocate – is looking at the possibility of becoming a student at the college later in the year.
In terms of the unit, he said: “It’s an amazing place for animals and an amazing place for students to learn about animals. It’s incredible.”
Another key guest at the launch was Jimmy Doherty from Jimmy’s Farm. Jimmy popped along to the grand opening and also filmed some scenes for his new TV show.
Mr Doherty – who studied health and safety and food safety courses at the college as he began his journey in farming – said: “I think it is an amazing facility, one of the best I have seen in the country. It offers such a wide scope of learning to the students. Everything from guinea pigs to monkeys and meerkats – and everything in between. Suffolk New College can provide such a high level of education with hands-on experience. For me and my business, it’s a wonderful opportunity for us. We have access to a supply of young people. It’s great. It’s going to really help the industry, all the way from agriculture to conservation and ecology.”
Two students from Suffolk Rural also reflected on the facilities and what they mean for people who are interested in working with animals.
Lauren Beales, 18, from Ipswich said: “I think it’s good for students. There is such a wide variety of animals. This is the only college where you will get an opportunity like this.”
Shannon Bell, 18, from Woodbridge said: “I think the facilities are really great. The enclosures are enriching. When you go in with them (the animals), you feel like you are in their natural habitat.” Members of the public will also benefit from the new facilities at public family events on the campus, such as the annual Big Day Out family events.
