School visits

Jersey registered schools are allowed two free entries to conduct a risk assessment, i.e. one teaching staff per visit, up to twice per school year (September - July).

Please book your risk assessment visit in advance by emailing learning@durrell.org with the school & staff member name, plus date of attendance.

For Jersey schools covered by our sponsor agreement, an appropriate number of adults for actively supporting/supervising the group will be permitted free entry. We are guided by the Government on-island school trip recommended ratios. These are as follows:

• 1 adult for every 4 pupils in Reception
• 1 adult for every 5 pupils in Years 1 and 2
• 1 adult for every 10 pupils in Years 3 to 6
• 1 adult for every 20 pupils in Year 7 and above

We do, however, recognise that some groups will require a minimum of 2 adults, even for smaller groups, and that further adults may be needed to meet the needs of their group. Letting us know of above standard ratio requirements before your visit, on the taught session booking form or by emailing learning@durrell.org, will help to avoid additional payment requirements.

We have a sponsor agreement for Jersey school groups from Reception upwards. This does not currently cover nursery groups. Under 3s receive free entry to the zoo; normal admissions apply for other nursery children and accompanying adults.

Normal group admissions apply to non-Jersey registered schools and all other clubs and home schools.

Groups can receive taught sessions from our Taught Sessions Menu at the group teaching rate of £330 per day/£165 per half day.

Bookings by non-Jersey schools should ideally be made two months in advance to allow payment to be cleared before the visit. 

Non Jersey-registered schools can make an enquiry about visiting here.

Yes, you are welcome to bring lunches with you and use any of the seating areas in the zoo grounds. Covered areas may be available in Kirindy Cabin (by the black & white ruffed lemurs) and at the orangutan longhouse. An indoor area in the Discovery Centre may be available by agreement. Please enquire when booking a session or on arrival at the zoo.

Only items purchased in the cafes may be consumed there.

We do not currently have lockers or designated bag-drop facilities on site.

You can store lunches etc in our schools’ foyer during a booked teaching session. Other groups may request use of the schools’ foyer for the storage of small bags. Please email learning@durrell.org if wish to arrange this.

You can visit the Gerald Durrell Experience for a look at the fascinating artifacts from the life and travels of our founder.  You can check our daily programme of keeper talks or special events here.