Ranger Academy
Have students who want to pursue a career working with animals? This week long Ranger Academy course is the one for them!
The course provides a perfect mix of both theory and practical hands on learning. Limited spaces available, contact us today!
WHY DO THE COURSE?
The YWP Ranger academy is aimed at those who are wishing to pursue a career with animals. Students aged 15-17 years old who wish to work within the animal industry as vets, vet nurses, animal keepers or complete further animal based studies will all benefit from this exciting new course.
The course will provide both practical and theory experience within an award winning animal collection. The course will not only give you a realistic insight into working within the animal industry, it will also enhance your CV.
We only offer places to a maximum of 10 students per course, so you can be assured you are part of something special!
What is the Rookie Ranger Academy?
Rookie Ranger Academy is aimed at those who would love to do our full-length Ranger Academy, but are currently too young.
With a mix of classroom workshops, team games and behind the scenes tours, Rookie Ranger Academy will be the perfect insight for the pupils.
The course is open to students aged 11-14, and will be the perfect first step towards a range of amazing jobs including becoming a vet, vet nurse or animal ranger!
What's included?
Rookie Ranger Academy includes both classroom workshops and team games, as well as practical activities like cleaning out animal enclosures and a fantastic behind-the-scenes tour.
The course is run by the YWP education team, but they will also benefit from the opportunity to meet with our animal rangers who will share their expertise. On completion of the course all students will be awarded a certificate of completion as a token of their achievement. Rookie Ranger Academy runs for two days, from 10am to 3pm.
Cost
Rookie Ranger Academy costs £200 per pupil.
Rookie Ranger 2025
- Wed 19th– Thurs 20th February
- Wed 9th - Thurs 10th April
- Thurs 24th – Fri 25th July
- Tues 26th – Wed 27th August
- Thurs 28th – Fri 29th August
If you're coming from further afield for your Rookie Ranger course, we have accommodation available to book at the Hex Wildlife Hotel for a discounted rate..
What is the Ranger Academy?
The exciting YWP Ranger Academy is aimed at students who wish to work within the animal industry as vets, vet nurses, animal keepers or complete further animal-based studies.
The course will provide both practical and theory experience within an award-winning animal collection. It will not only give you a realistic insight into working within the animal industry, but it will also enhance your CV.
We only offer places to a maximum of 10 students per course, so you can be assured you are part of something special.
Ranger Academy 2025
- Mon 26th – Fri 30th May
- Mon 28th July – Fri 1st August
- Mon 11th – Fri 15th August
- Mon 27th – Fri 31st October
What's included?
The course is run by the YWP education team, who will support students at all times during the week. Students will also benefit from working alongside our animal team who will share their expertise during the week.
The theory sessions will cover a range of animal related subjects, encouraging students to get involved and interact. The practical experience gained includes working across the YWP animal sections, with a wide range of species.
Students will complete an evidence-based portfolio of their work, which will include a scientific research project. On completion of the course, students will be awarded a certificate, a photo library which will document their time on the course and a reference statement, which will be presented at a graduation ceremony.
Funded Scholarship Places
There is one funded scholarship place available each year for Doncaster students only. Funded scholarship places enable YWP to support the local area and ensure that the course is accessible to all. This place must be supported by a member of teaching staff and you must have parental consent.
Cost
£375 per person. This price includes a YWP Ranger Academy t-shirt and a discount card for the Safari Store and catering outlets, which can be used on course days.
The cost also includes an invitation which can be used by parents/guardians on the last day of the course to attend the graduation ceremony. The cost includes all supporting course resources. If applications are successful, then payment will secure the place. Refunds will not be given, apart from in extreme circumstances, but a place on alternative date will be arranged.
If you're coming from further afield for your Ranger Academy course, we have accommodation available to book at the Hex Wildlife Hotel for a discounted rate..
What is the Advanced Ranger Academy?
YWP now offer an AWARD WINNING zoo-based Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Gold residential opportunity in the UK through Hampshire County Council. Any participant of the DofE Gold award who needs to complete their Gold residential can apply.
What's included?
The Advanced Ranger Academy Course is specially designed for DofE Gold Award students who have started their career path into the animal industry. The course content provides students with exclusive opportunities including working with the Yorkshire Wildlife Park (YWP) veterinary surgeon and behind the scenes access. The department has won British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) education awards for the Ranger Academy course. Students will also get the chance to work with the YWP staff team across all animal sections.
Further Information
For more information please click here
Advanced Academy 2025
- Mon 4th – Fri 8th August
- Mon 18th – Fri 22nd August