Fota Wildlife Park to Host Series of Educational Weekends This Summer
Fota Wildlife Park will host a series of themed Educational Weekends this summer at its Education, Conservation and Research Centre (ECRC), focusing on science, native wildlife conservation and insect life.
The first, the Wild Science Weekend runs on the 11 and 12 July, features two days of interactive, hands-on activities exploring the mesmerising world of science. Science shows from Fota’s award-winning Education Team will run on the half hour throughout the afternoon, with further interactive activities at a dedicated stand. The Lifetime Lab at the Old Cork Waterworks Experience will offer hands-on activities, while researchers from the Tyndall National Institute will present exhibits on science and innovation.
On 25 and 26 July, the Native Species Weekend will focus on Ireland’s native wildlife and the conservation work of organisations such as Fota Wildlife Park that are helping to protect it. Visitors will have the chance to meet conservation experts and discover Ireland’s native species through a range of engaging exhibits and activities. Exhibitors include Dublin Zoo, University College Cork (UCC), Breeding Waders EIP, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, the Vincent Wildlife Trust, the Explorers Education Programme, Atlantic Technological University, Seal Rescue Ireland, Lifetime Lab, East Cork Beekeepers, the Irish Bee Conservation Project and Fota Wildlife Park.
As part of the Native Species Weekend, Fota Wildlife Park in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), will host bird ringing demonstrations on both days running from 10 am to 2 pm in a wooded area near the back of the Tropical House, adjacent to the red panda habitat. NPWS Conservation Ranger and licensed ornithologist Sam Bayley, alongside Fota’s Native Species Conservation Officer Jess Hodnett, will demonstrate the handling of native birds, the attachment of scientific rings and the recording of biometric data including wing length, weight, age and gender.
Bird ringing allows researchers to study individual birds within a population, tracking their movements, habitats and lifespan. Carried out under strict scientific licence, bird ringing contributes to the study of population trends, migration patterns and the conservation needs of Ireland’s native birds. Visitors to the Park are welcome to drop in to the designated ringing demonstration areas to observe the process and learn more from the experts. Please note that all ringing demonstrations are strictly weather dependent.
The summer Educational Weekend programme concludes with the Bug Bonanza Weekend on 15 and 16 August, focusing on invertebrate biodiversity through displays and talks covering native and exotic insect life. Exhibits from the Irish Bee Conservation Project and preserved specimens from UCC’s entomology collection will feature alongside contributions from Fota Wildlife Park’s zoologists and education team.
All weekend events are included in the standard admission price. Free face painting is available from 12 noon to 1.45 pm at the ECRC during each weekend. The Panoramic Wheel will remain on site until the end of the summer, priced from €5 per person with tickets available at the on-site booth.
Event Schedule
Wild Science Weekend | 11 & 12 July | 11 am – 4 pm | ECRC, Fota Wildlife Park
Native Species Weekend | 25 & 26 July | 11 am – 4 pm | ECRC, Fota Wildlife Park
with special event – bird ringing demonstrations | 25 & 26 July | 10 am – 2 pm | Next to red panda habitat (weather dependent)
Bug Bonanza Weekend | 15 & 16 August | 11 am – 4 pm | ECRC, Fota Wildlife Park
Face painting available 12 noon to 1.45 pm during all educational weekends at the ECRC. All activities included with standard admission or annual pass entry.
Fota Wildlife Park is open daily from 9.30 am. Further information and online booking are available at www.fotawildlife.ie.
