Animal Management Higher Education students set off for San Jose airport in June to experience Costa Rica and learn about biodiversity outside of the classroom.
The group consisted of students on courses from levels four to six, they were provided this unique opportunity by the College with the aim of embedding theoretical learning in the classroom. The intense biodiversity in Costa Rica enabled students to observe varied species in the wild including sloths, eyelash vipers, numerous anole species, basilisks, toucans, agoutis, sharks and much more. One focus of the trip was to provide experience of field research stations and the type of environment and working in a field research biologist role.
The staff and students stayed at the Pacuare Reserve where they carried out night nest surveys looking for endangered sea turtles and were able to release hatchlings whilst there. They also stayed at La Selva Biological Field Station where the students encountered numerous different bird and plant species. All of these experiences gave them the opportunity to use their knowledge from their degree to discuss relevant conservation and behavioural questions related to these animals. The students were also able to take part in fun activities too such as zip wires, whitewater rafting and snorkelling.
Suzie Simpson, Lecturer in Animal Management, said ‘All of these experiences gave them the opportunity to use their knowledge from their degree to discuss relevant conservation and behavioural questions related to these animals.’
She continued ‘With such positive feedback from the students, we hope to run this trip on a bi-annual basis in conjunction with our South Africa trip.’
Mark Cooper, FdSc Applied Behavioural Science and Welfare student said 'I had an incredible experience in Costa Rica. It was amazing sharing experiences with incredible people.... I will never forget it!'