Live Animal Encounters

Specially for groups of students with special educational needs/disabilities, our Live Animal Encounters allow students to get up close to frogs, snakes and more from our amazing Vivarium.  

Students will meet a member of our Vivarium team who will bring animals out from their cases so that your group can see individual features, ask questions, and be inspired!  

We can tailor sessions to your group. Themes could include:   

• Adaptations and classification  
• Endangered species and conservation  
• Caring for animals  

(Please note that the animals are very sensitive to touch and so unfortunately cannot be held by the students.)  

You would be welcome to combine your visit with a self-led exploration of the museum (including the other animals in the Vivarium and Natural History galleries) and use of our café or picnic area.  

Dates: First Wednesday of the month, starting Wednesday 1st May*

Time: 1-1.45pm  

Groups: Up to 12 students with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities

A note on access: Our building is fully accessible with lifts, a quiet room, and a Changing Places bathroom. We can also provide sensory bags including ear defenders and fidget toys. Please let us know what you need when you book so we can make sure it is available for you.  

*If the times and dates available to book do not suit, please do get in touch via school.bookings@manchester.ac.uk and we will do our best to accommodate your group. Please note that we do not currently offer live animal encounters for mainstream groups, although our programme changes all the time so please sign up to our E-newsletters to be first to hear.