Zoo Stream!

BCA's Animal Centre utilised CCF funded 4k Trail cams and thermal imaging cameras to livestream content to students that could not attend on site due to the pandemic.

Camera traps were set up in some of the enclosures at BCA’s Zoo Courtyard. These were targeted at nocturnal animals which are not able to be observed as easily due to their sleeping patterns, and animals that had suspected behavioural issues.

Hours of camera trap footage were recorded over the course of a month or so. The trap cameras enable footage to be recorded without any disturbance to the animal, and this provides a really invaluable insight into the behaviour of the animals.

Some clips were then selected to be shown to Level 3 Year 2 Animal Management students as part of a project. The students analysed the footage, and from what they had seen, created behavioural management plans for the individual animals shown. The BCA Animal Unit will then implement some of the ideas the students have to increase the welfare of the animals on site. This enables students to utilise resources that are used in zoological collections around the world. The project was really well received by students and has given them valuable knowledge and skills to take on to future employment or academic study.