Fota unveils exciting educational weekends

The Mad Scientist Weekend took place last weekend but there are more to come:

Native Species Weekend on 27 & 28 July:

Celebrate local biodiversity with interactive stands and exhibits from the Cork Nature Network, East Cork Beekeeping Association, the Seal Sanctuary, the Breeding Waders EIP, the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group, Dublin Zoo, Wildlife Rescue Cork, WARPPEd , Lifetime Lab @ Old Cork Waterworks with their Explorer’s Education Progamme that looks at marine life and their What’s in a Drop workshop examining mini beasties in our rivers, and the Irish Bee Conservation Project along with a biofact display from Fota Wildlife Park. This weekend offers an excellent opportunity to learn about the native species of our region and the importance of conservation.

Bug Bonanza Weekend on 17 & 18 August:

For insect enthusiasts, the Bug Bonanza weekend will showcase a variety of rare and interesting invertebrates from around the world. Fota Wildlife Park zoologists and the education team will present talks about the insects in our tropical house and their roles in global biodiversity.

Lynda McSweeney, Head of Education at Fota Wildlife Park, said: “I am delighted to announce our popular public engagement events for summer 2024. These events provide an opportunity to highlight the importance of both biodiversity and the role of STEM in our everyday lives.

“This year, we’re delighted to showcase our newly opened Education, Conservation and Research Centre, a purpose-built venue that encourages learning at every opportunity. Of course, hosting these events wouldn’t be possible without the assistance of my colleagues in several organisations, our partners have been instrumental in helping us promote science and the wonders of nature to visitors of all ages, and we look forward to engaging with the public over the course of the summer and sharing our enthusiasm and knowledge with them!”

Event details:

27 & 28 July Native Species Weekend

17 & 18 August Bug Bonanza Weekend

Venue: The newly opened Education, Conservation, and Research Centre from 11am to 4pm daily

Admission: Free with entry to Fota Wildlife Park, no need to book.

Fota Wildlife Park is open daily from 9.30am, see www.fotawildlife.ie