Youth Climate Workshop at Blackpool Zoo: Sustainability & Conservation in Action!
As part of our ongoing ‘Youth Empowerment for Local Climate Action in Blackpool’ project, we recently took part in an interactive workshop at Blackpool Zoo! On Saturday 15th August 2026, a group of young people visited the zoo to attend an exciting Conservation & Sustainability workshop, which was delivered by staff from the zoo’s Education department.
The session began with a presentation about careers within zoos and conservation, and the many ways in which individuals can build skills and experience to start a career in this field. We also learned about the role that Blackpool Zoo plays in supporting conservation efforts around the world.
“I really enjoyed learning about what Blackpool Zoo actually does and the different ways they help the climate and reduce extinction in animals. The workshop and the interactive activities work together as a team and was really enjoyable.” - Workshop participant
Gorillas in their encloure eating the willow enrichment the group made.
We then took part in an interactive activity involving a range of animal artefacts. This activity helped us to understand wildlife crime and the importance of protecting both animal and plant species. We also had the opportunity to learn about how animals are classified as endangered or not endangered according to the IUCN Red List.
Next, we worked together to build enrichment balls by weaving together willow branches. We then delivered these enrichment balls to the gorillas and were able to watch the gorillas pull apart the willow and eat it.
“The zoo workshop was really cool, I enjoyed making the wreaths/balls for the gorillas to eat, finding out about the animals, and learning about poaching.” - Workshop participant
Finally, we finished the workshop by watching the sea lion training demonstration. This demonstration included important reminders about the dangers of plastic pollution and the importance of recycling.
We had an amazing time at the workshop and would like to thank Kristian and Blackpool Zoo for a great session!
“In my opinion, the workshop went amazing, the amount of people who didn't really know each other but yet still worked together on making the food for the Gorilla's. It was great to see that. Personally, I really enjoyed the whole workshop but the best part was speaking to Kristian about how the animals within the zoo live, this has made me re-think what career path I want to go down and now I have enrolled in to B&FC college and get experience in animal care. Hopefully after all the courses, I manage to work with animals and whether that is in a zoo or be a vet. Either way, I will be able to work with animals.” - Workshop participant (& Co-researcher)
If you would like to get involved in the ‘Youth Empowerment for Local Climate Action in Blackpool’ project, you can find out about our upcoming workshops on the Events page of the Boingboing Foundation website: Events — Boingboing Foundation . These sessions are open to any young people in Blackpool aged 11-25. We would love to see you there!