Animal Care Centre

Animal Care Centre at the vocational learning hub

Here at Ascent we have our own mini zoo. We have built up our collection of animals over the last year. It has been an exciting process for the students as they have helped research the animals and how to care for them. The students have even helped in building and safe proofing the enclosures. Our students learn how to safely handle and care for our animals, whilst gaining the therapeutic benefits from handling, brushing them and checking them over on a daily basis.

We have seen first-hand the therapeutic benefits for the students as the animals help them to self-regulate and allow them to have an additional calming space to use during the day. The students also learn from being able to complete personal care for the animals as they are able to develop a range of skills, understand the responsibility of caring for others and work as a team while they learn what is involved in caring for each animal.

Meet our team of animals

Rabbits

We have two rabbits living onsite. Oreo, who is black and white and Origi, who is tan and white. The rabbits are 3 years old and love to be around the students. They are both very playful, and their favourite game is with the ball. They enjoy the students rolling the ball to them to catch. Oreo and Origi adore being brushed by the students. They eat special rabbit food, treats but their favourite food is a handful of leafy greens.

Guinea Pigs

We have two Guinea Pigs in our zoo. Cookie who is tan and Biscuit who is black and white. Like our rabbits the guinea pigs are also 3 years old. Their favourite foods are leafy greens and they enjoy the student’s hand feeding them these. Our guinea pigs are still quite shy but are getting used to being around the students and will come running up to you if you have a treat for them.

Chickens

We have two chickens living in the enclosure and they really rule the roost! Sweet has brown feathers and Sour has black feathers so they are easy to tell apart. They will follow you around looking for food and love to chase the other animals around. We are very lucky as the chickens have been laying eggs on a regular basis.

Horsfield Tortoises

We have two tortoises living in our College called Rock and Pebble. Horsefield tortoises are an energetic and interactive breed. Our two enjoy a bath every day in their terrarium and hiding in the logs. Their favourite activity is having cuddles from the staff and students.