A college has launched an animal adoption scheme in the hopes of getting its students to Africa.

Suffolk Rural, based in Otley, is currently in the midst of upgrading its animal studies centre and also applied for a zoo licence in 2023.

Ahead of this revamp, the college has announced the ambitious new project which will give the community a chance to 'adopt' animals, from meerkats to giant tortoises. 

Members of the public will be able to purchase bronze, silver or gold packages, choosing from a variety of different animals to 'adopt'.

Those who sign up will get a certificate of adoption and a fact file of the adopted animal. 

Jenna Carstensen and Chloe Robb with Bowser the giant tortoise - an animal that is part of the adoption scheme that is part of a student project in South Africa.Jenna Carstensen and Chloe Robb with Bowser the giant tortoise - an animal that is part of the adoption scheme that is part of a student project in South Africa. (Image: Suffolk Rural College) Chloe Coates from Suffolk Rural who is holding Cheerse, a Tenrec from Africa.Chloe Coates from Suffolk Rural who is holding Cheerse, a Tenrec from Africa. (Image: Suffolk Rural College) Abi Goody from Suffolk Rural with Fig, a Lionhead rabbit. Abi Goody from Suffolk Rural with Fig, a Lionhead rabbit. (Image: Suffolk Rural College) Would you like to 'adopt' a meerkat?Would you like to 'adopt' a meerkat? (Image: Suffolk Rural College)

Prices range from £10 to £50 and all money raised will be used to help support activities within the animal centre, as well as helping to fund a student educational and conservation visit to South Africa in 2025.

This trip will take place in April 2025, with the students based in the Limpopo region, around two hours away from Johannesburg.  

Every student has to individually raise around £3000. 

Abi Goody, 17, from Clacton, is on a level three animal management course at Suffolk Rural.

Abi 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 Coates, 17, is from Ipswich. She 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, said: “I’ve always loved animals and that is why I chose this course. The trip (to South Africa) will be helpful for future job applications.”