Swansea rainforest zoo Plantasia has received renewed support from Welsh financial services company Admiral to bolster the venue’s educational animal conservation programmes.
Plantasia on the Road is a schools programme that takes the rainforest zoo experience to local schools and communities, delivering workshops in the classroom that feature animal handling and virtual tours.
The aim of the initiative is to show children how they can positively affect our planet.
The programme, which has been running for nearly two years, has enabled over 5,000 children to acquire subsidised learning, with over 12,000 set to have access to the scheme in 2022.
Expanding the programme UK-wide has been a key objective of Plantasia as well as educating in other societies such as care homes, charities and community groups.
The support also aids the zoo’s Grow Your Imagination programme which focuses on driving forward animal conservation and environmental projects.
Plantasia, in Swansea city centre, is run by Parkwood Leisure on behalf of Swansea Council.
Plantasia general manager Anthony Williams, said: “The support from Admiral is a huge boost for our objectives.
“Raising funds for conservation of threatened species, educating visitors and educating the younger generation all compiles into a larger project of protecting these species.”
Rhian Langham, head of people services at Admiral, said: “We’re thrilled to continue working with Plantasia, supporting their educational outreach and conservation programmes.
“As a company that understands the importance of protecting the environment and educating the next generation, we’re excited by Plantasia’s approach to introducing a wider audience to the wild world and how to safeguard it.
“Our colleagues also tell us how much they enjoy visiting Plantasia and seeing the rainforest in action”.
Swansea Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “Parkwood continues to be a strong partner for us and the people of Swansea.
“Significant council investment has helped them give this great city centre cultural attraction new life and vitality.
“I’m delighted that their educational animal conservation programmes will continue to thrive through 2022.”
