Zoological Society learn about illegal trade in endangered species

Twenty members of the St Bede’s Zoological Society have been along to two presentations at Drusillas Zoo to find out about the illegal trade in endangered species. Students got to see first hand the confiscations made by HM Revenue and Customs at Heathrow Airport. Items including Leopard skin handbags, whole ocelot and zebra skins, ornaments made of new elephant ivory and even preserved crocodile heads have been seized. Ben Stanley (U6th student) said: 'It is a great shame to see that these wonderful creatures have lost their lives just to end up as tourists souvenirs. It’s comforting to see that Customs are stopping these things from getting into the country. I find it shocking that this barbaric practise continues to this day'. The sessions were organised by James Woodward, Drusillas Head of Education, specifically for the Zoology activity.