This unique opportunity gave students the chance to respond to a real-world brief shaped by London Zoo’s core values of conservation, education, and the human-animal connection.
The project was led by Art Lecturer Sarra Bird, who worked closely with Stephanie Pace, Learning Manager at the zoo, to develop the brief. The final version was approved with from the zoo’s board, ensuring the creative challenge was meaningful and relevant to their mission.
Students began the project with a visit to the zoo, where they received the brief directly from Stephanie Pace. They were then encouraged to develop creative pieces across a range of media, supported by regular feedback shared with the zoo throughout the process.
The collaboration finished in a public exhibition hosted at London Zoo, attracting friends, family, and visitors to view the artwork on display. A special award ceremony celebrated the incredible talent shown, with a winner and runner-up selected from each year group.
Among the highlights:
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Keira, a Level 3 Extended Diploma student, had her artwork purchased by a member of the zoo’s team - a fantastic achievement and testament to the professional standard of the work produced
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Shania was named winner of the Level 3 Extended Diploma category, with Shae receiving runner-up
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Lily-May was announced as the winner for the Level 3 Diploma group, and Cove as the runner-up
Sarra Bird commented:
“It was an incredible experience for our students to work with such a prestigious and purposeful organisation. The opportunity to exhibit their work at London Zoo - and to be recognised for their creativity, has given them an invaluable boost of confidence. We’re already planning to make next year’s collaboration even bigger and more ambitious.”
This partnership not only gave students a taste of working to a live industry brief, but also highlighted the power of art in contributing to wider social and environmental conversations.