In October 2012 Year 2 enjoyed a visit from Matthew Rowthorn, the “animal man” as part of our Science topic on animal variation.  We learnt how animals survive and defend themselves, including the difference between poisonous and venomous animals.

At Whipsnade Zoo we had already learnt why a leopard gecko’s tail can come off, so we were fascinated when Matthew showed us one whose tail was actually growing back! 

We learnt why a rat makes a better pet than a snapping turtle, how tarantulas taste through their feet and how camouflage stops a praying mantis from going hungry. 

We met Meera the meerkat and found out why she kept gazing at the sky and always made sure her cage door was open.  She even made her “danger” call while we listened quietly.