The college has ambitions to become a zoo and has launched a new animal adoption project.
Suffolk Rural, based eight miles north of Ipswich, is in the midst of upgrading its animal studies centre. (They also applied for a zoo licence in 2023).
Ahead of the revamp, students have been working with staff to create a brand-new adoption scheme.
The campaign will give the general public the chance to purchase bronze, silver or gold packages.
Prices range from £10 to £50 and all money raised will be used to help support activities within the animal centre, as well as helping to fund a student educational and conservation visit to South Africa in 2025.
Some of the cute furry friends include meerkats and a giant tortoise.
Those who sign up will get a certificate of adoption and a fact file of the adopted animal.
Abi Goody, 17, from Clacton is on a level 3 animal management course at Suffolk Rural. Abi said: “I think people should get involved in the adoption scheme as it’s really beneficial for our education to get out into the wild and see what we can do in the future. It will also help the animals.”
Chloe Coates, 17, from Ipswich. Chloe said: “I think young people can learn more about conservation being out in the wild and through conservation, you can make the world a better place.”
Nicole Pentelow, 17, from Laxfield said: “I’ve always loved animals and that is why I chose this course. The trip (to South Africa) will be helpful for future job applications.”
In addition to the adoption scheme, students are also involved in a range of fundraisers throughout the year including raffles, bake sales and a Christmas fair to help raise the money they need to go to South Africa. They have also been involved in applying for various grants. Jack Springall is an animal studies lecturer at Suffolk Rural who is helping to co-ordinate the trip.
Jack said: “This (travelling to South Africa) is something I did when I was younger and I benefited from it so much, so I understand the value of it.
“The trip will give them a life-changing experience that will help them get a greater understanding of wildlife and conservation, helping train new generations to be able to work in these fields.”
A student tour operator called Flooglebinder is partnering with the college and is overseeing the schedule. They specialise in curating study trip adventures focused on sustainability and conservation.
Amber Bence from Flooglebinder said: “Students come away from these projects learning about themselves and the industry they want to work in. What they are doing to fundraise is amazing.”
The trip will take place in April 2025. Every student has to individually raise around £3000.00. They will be based in the Limpopo region that is around two hours away from Johannesburg.
To get involved in the animal adoption scheme you can visit here: https://forms.gle/ZcNyZbzdtWukFo819