South Staffordshire College visit centre wins tourism accolade

The Visitor Centre at South Staffordshire College's Rodbaston Campus has received recognition as one of the Midland's best tourist attractions.

It has been awarded the Best Small Family Attraction in the Midlands 2009 Award by Going Places tourism magazine which has a circulation of?150,000. The centre accumulated the highest number of votes cast by the General Public to win the award which they will receive at the end of?January.

The Animal Management Centre is a frontrunner in providing animal?related education and the conservation of endangered animals and their?habitats is central to their mission.

The college actively participates in a number of breeding programmes of critically endangered species with other zoological institutions worldwide. This important work safeguards the future of a number of?animals in a world where they would otherwise be facing extinction.

Education of both students and visitors is very important - animals hold a deep fascination for people of all ages. The animal centre at Rodbaston Campus gives students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience with fascinating animals in a relatively safe environment and the wide selection of Animal Care courses on offer provides students with the skills and knowledge to be able to work in teaching, local government and national/international animal welfare and conservation?organisations.

The Visitor Centre enjoyed a record summer, welcoming just under 5,500 visitors through its doors, all enjoying a full programme of events. The Centre is home to a wide range of animals, including meerkats, parrots, aquatics and monkeys and visitors can also enjoy the Animal Encounters and Meet the Keeper sessions where they get up close and personal with some of the animals, holding them and asking the keepers?questions.

Jo Allan, Head of Customer and Commercial Service at South Staffordshire College, is delighted to receive this prestigious award and said "We are extremely happy the public have voted for us and have thoroughly enjoyed the time they have spent at the Visitor Centre. With a great programme of events coming up for 2010 we are confident of another successful year".

Jo is looking forward to receiving the official certificate later this month and guarantees it will be displayed in a prominent place within the visitor centre for the public and staff to see.

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