Build for Wildlife
For the Future
Join us in supporting the Build for Wildlife initiative at Banham Zoo, a campaign dedicated to raising £100,000 to revamp our education centre and expand outreach to home-schooled students.
About
Education is the cornerstone of long-term conservation success. To ensure that future generations are equipped to protect our planet’s most vulnerable species, we are launching the Build for Wildlife initiative at Banham Zoo.
This ambitious programme aims to raise £100,000, which will be used to revamp our education centre and expand our outreach to home-schooled students.
Through the Build for Wildlife programme, we plan to create a dedicated area for native conservation on-site at Banham Zoo, featuring viewable science labs, classrooms, and interactive learning spaces. These new facilities will provide students and visitors with a unique, hands-on experience, allowing them to engage directly with the conservation efforts taking place in their local area.
Support
Corporate partners play a crucial role in the success of this initiative. We invite businesses to support this project through sponsorships, financial contributions, or participation in our fundraising events.
Corporations can benefit from prominent branding opportunities, employee engagement activities, and alignment with impactful conservation goals at Banham Zoo.
A key highlight of the Build for Wildlife initiative will be a special fundraising dinner and silent auction on Saturday, 17th May. This event will bring together our community of supporters to celebrate the progress of the initiative and raise additional funds. Attendees will enjoy an evening of insightful discussions, inspiring stories, and the chance to bid on exclusive items, all while contributing to the continued success of our conservation efforts at Banham Zoo.
More
A word from Sara Goatcher, Head of Education
The plans for our new education centre are just amazing. I am so proud to work for the Zoological Society of East Anglia and this development will be transformative, bringing the natural world and the science behind it to our classrooms on site at Banham Zoo, for the benefit of schoolchildren and college and university students across the county.
The new facility is much needed and will allow an increase in those having access to our conservation education provision on site, including students who receive home education. We are taking an existing facility and giving it a new lease of life, complete with all the sustainability features you’d expect from a modern building – from the installation of renewable energy systems to green roofs to ensure the highest levels of insulation and supporting biodiversity.
We are planning to install the latest projection technology which will transform our class and lecture rooms into tropical rainforests and undersea adventures, making our learning areas significantly more, immersive and engaging.
Students will be able to witness breeding programmes of endangered species in East Anglia -from pool frogs to crayfish - bringing the science of wildlife live into the classroom environment before their very eyes. It also enables them to take their conservation learnings and create their own natural habitats in their gardens back home.
And that’s not all. In addition to our new centre we are rolling out a programme of remote education so that schoolchildren can learn about conservation and wildlife online and introducing them to life in our zoos.
And hot off the press, we’re about to launch an exciting new conservation education initiative for those that are home educated across the county. There are about 5,000 home educated children in East Anglia and as part of our inclusive approach to education, we do not want them to miss out on the programmes we undertake with schools on site and in the community.
The new programme will provide discounted season tickets for a child and adult at the zoo, 10 education sessions during the year, formal learning at the zoo, access to self-led resources online and the setting up of trails within Banham Zoo which are designed to teach English, Maths and international languages in a fun and interactive way.
We do hope you can support us in our ambitions to enable more schoolchildren and college and university students to access our conservation education provision – it will mean that the next generation are able to enjoy, respect and protect the precious environment and wildlife around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you'll find answers to common questions about the campaign’s key components, events, and how you can get involved. Whether you're an individual or a business, there are plenty of ways to support this vital cause.
What is the Build for Wildlife initiative?
The Build for Wildlife initiative at Banham Zoo is a fundraising campaign aimed at raising £100,000 to revamp our education centre, expand outreach to home-school students, and integrate our native species conservation work. The goal is to inspire and educate the next generation about the importance of wildlife conservation and equip them with the tools needed to protect endangered species.
How will the funds be used?
The funds raised will be used to upgrade our education centre at Banham Zoo, develop new interactive learning tools, create educational content specifically designed for home-schooled students, and establish a new area dedicated to native species conservation. This will include viewable science labs, classrooms, and interactive spaces for hands-on learning, enhancing our ability to teach young people about biodiversity and conservation.
Why focus on home-schooled students and native species?
Home-schooled students often lack access to structured conservation education programmes. By expanding our outreach to this group, we aim to fill that gap and ensure that all students, regardless of their educational setting, have the opportunity to learn about and engage in wildlife conservation. Additionally, integrating native species conservation into our education centre will provide a local focus, connecting students and visitors to the wildlife in their own communities at Banham Zoo.
What is the significance of the fundraising dinner and silent auction?
The fundraising dinner and silent auction on Saturday, 17th May will be a highlight of the Build for Wildlife initiative. This event will celebrate the progress of the initiative and provide an opportunity to raise additional funds. Attendees will have the chance to participate in a silent auction featuring exclusive items, with all proceeds supporting our ongoing conservation efforts, including the new native species conservation area at Banham Zoo.
How can I contribute to the Build for Wildlife initiative?
You can contribute by donating directly to the campaign, attending the fundraising dinner, participating in the silent auction, or helping to spread the word about the initiative. Corporate sponsors can also play a vital role by providing financial support, sponsoring specific elements of the project, or engaging in employee volunteering opportunities. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps us move closer to our goal of raising £100,000 and building a brighter future for wildlife at Banham Zoo.
When and where will the fundraising dinner and silent auction take place?
The fundraising dinner and silent auction will be held on Saturday, 17th May at Banham Zoo. Details regarding the venue within the zoo will be announced soon. Keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates.
How can I stay informed about the progress of the Build for Wildlife initiative?
You can stay informed by visiting our website, subscribing to our newsletter, and following us on social media. We will provide regular updates on the campaign’s progress, upcoming events, and the impact of your contributions.
