Suffolk Rural College, in Otley, near Ipswich, sets up animal adoption scheme to fund trip to Africa

A Suffolk college is offering the public a chance to adopt one of a range of animals, including a meerkat or giant tortoise, as students seek to bank roll a trip to Africa.

Animal studies pupils at Suffolk Rural, in Otley, near Ipswich, are set to take a trip to Johannesburg in April next year.

The college is in the process of making upgrades to its animal studies centre with ambitions to become a zoo, having applied for a licence last year.

Ahead of the revamp, pupils set up an adoption scheme to fund the journey, with each student tasked with raising £3,000.

The public will be offered the chance to chip into a bronze, silver or gold package with prices ranging from £10 to £50.

Those who sign up will get a certificate of adoption and a fact file of the adopted animal, which could include meerkats, a tarantula, a snake, alpacas, a giant tortoise and lionhead rabbits.

Money raised will not only fund the trip to South Africa, but other activities at the new animal centre.

Jack Springall, animal studies lecturer at Suffolk Rural, is helping to co-ordinate the trip.

He said he also travelled to South Africa as a youngster and understood the value of such a trip.

He added: “The trip will give them a life changing experience that will help them get a greater understanding of wildlife and conservation, helping train new generations to be able to work in these fields.”

In addition to the adoption scheme, students are also involved in other fund-raisers, including raffles, bake sales and a Christmas fair.

Some have also applied for a range of grants.

Students at the college have given their reasons why they think people should get involved with the scheme.

Abi Goody, 17, of Clacton, is undertaking an animal studies course at Suffolk Rural.

She said: “I think people should get involved in the adoption scheme as it’s really beneficial for our education to get out into the wild and see what we can do in the future. It will also help the animals.”

Chloe Cates, 17 and of Ipswich, said: “I think young people can learn more about conservation being out in the wild and through conservation you can make the world a better place.”

Nicole Pentelow, 17, from Laxfield felt the trip to South Africa would be good for her future career.

She said: “I’ve always loved animals and that is why I chose this course. The trip will be helpful for future job applications.”