“Superb entertainment that actually informed and educated the audience”
Head teacher, junior school, Derbyshire

Have you considered the value of using a visiting animal scheme as a way of developing cross-curricular links? Animals used in schools and colleges provide a number of educational benefits, including opportunities for detailed observation and investigation of animal behaviour, life cycles, structure and function, and growth, and this leads to an appreciation of the needs of animals.

The skills of literacy and numeracy, planning, and social interactions come into play with the study of animals. First-hand experience of animals, along with accurate knowledge of living material, is essential for the effective study of biology and zoology, and "hands-on" experience, guided by someone who understands both the animal and the needs of the student, is the best way of obtaining this information.

The animals themselves also benefit, as owners learn more about their charges, and the need to conserve species and habitats. Students gain an awareness of the needs of the animals, and a sensitivity towards them, with the animals providing a focus for studies. A grounding in animal husbandry is also acquired in animal studies, while it is a proven and accepted fact that animals can and do help with remedial education.

Many schools, understandably, do not have the facilities, time or inclination to keep animals in school. For these organisations, the use of visiting animal schemes is to be recommended and encouraged.

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The Man

“The children were enthralled by both the animals and Mr McKay, and even the staff learned from the day!”
Teacher, nursery and infant school, Rotherham

James McKay is a zoologist, a qualified lecturer and scientific fellow of the Zoological Society of London. James is widely known as "THE ANIMAL MAN", thanks to innumerable appearances on television, including Blue Peter, the Wide-Awake-Club, Calendar, Midlands Today, Wac-A-Day, Good Morning Britain, Look North, News at Ten, BBC News, GMTV, It's A Vet's Life, Saturday Superstore, and BBC Breakfast News. A trainer of animals for TV and films, he is also a regular contributor to many radio programmes, newspapers and magazines, and is the author of several books on animals and animal related subjects.

His broadcasting, writing and work in general have established James' reputation as an internationally recognised authority on many animals and animal related subjects.

A professional lecturer, James McKay not only knows his subject, but also has the rare talent of being able to communicate the topic with enthusiasm and zeal to audiences of all ages and levels.

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The Service

“Accurate information given in an entertaining manner.”
Head teacher, secondary school, Sheffield

Essentially, the service offered consists of educational - but still entertaining! - lectures involving living specimens of different species.

James McKay has available to him many different animals, and this allows him to offer a wide range of lectures.

The most popular is the "General Lecture", which consists of a range of animals covering mammals, reptiles and birds. The content of this lecture explains the basic differences between these classes of animal, and also examines adaptations of each species which allow the animal to fully exploit their own ecological niche. Other areas covered in this lecture include geography, the senses, colour, defence mechanisms, life styles, history, habitats and conservation.

The educational content of every lecture is sound and accurate, and is always at the correct level for the audience, whether they are pre-school, undergraduates or a meeting of mixed ability adults.

All lectures share two common items; the audience has the opportunity, and is actively encouraged, to actually touch or hold the animals; and all lectures are educational while still being fun!

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The Animals

“Well-behaved and happy animals that were a pleasure to see and handle...... ..... the children learned a great deal from the experiences of the day.”
Teacher, junior school, Nottinghamshire

A wide range of animals are available to James McKay, and all are;

 Handleable
 Safe
 Tame
 Friendly
 Trustworthy

The welfare and well-being of the animals is paramount, and James always ensures that the animals do not suffer during or because of their use in lectures, in their "homes", or in transit.

Several specimens of each species are kept, and this ensures that none are over used, handled too often, or worked too hard.

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The Lectures

“Factually correct presentation, which was pitched at exactly the right level for the children.”
Head of biology department, secondary school, Nottingham

Standard "off-the-peg" lectures include;

 Adaptation
 Geography
 Predators and Prey
 Growth
 Amphibia
 Pet Care
 Senses
 Reptiles
 Locomotion
 Mini Beasts (Invertebrates)
 Colours


In addition, James offers a bespoke service, and lectures can be tailor-made to suit particular projects, or simply to show specific animals. Please contact Mr McKay for further information.

All lectures are designed to be relevant to the National Curriculum.

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The Safeguards

“Well planned and executed presentation..............the information given was spot-on for every audience throughout the day.”
Deputy head teacher, middle school, Doncaster

Safeguards for audiences include;

 #1 million public liability insurance.
 "Tame" animals, i.e. those that are used to being handled.
 Strict adherence to Health and Safety Executive guidelines and practices.
 Adherence to the Code of Conduct of the Council for Environmental Education.
 Adherence to the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
 Registration under the Performing Animals (Regulation) Act.
 Registration with the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
 Adherence to DfES and LEA regulations.
 Animals accompanied at all times while on site.
 Animals given regular veterinary treatment and/or vaccinations, as necessary.

Safeguards for the animals include;

 Suitable transport caging.
 Temperature regulation throughout transport and visit.
 Constant availability of food and moisture, as relevant.
 All animals captive bred (where possible).
 No animal used on consecutive days.
 No animal used more than twice a week.
 Animals kept in appropriate sized cages and groups (while at base).
 Adherence to Transport of Animals Orders.
 All British birds are "legal", and documentary evidence to this effect is available.
 All animals are legally obtained.

James McKay personally accompanies all animals to venues, and it is James who gives all lectures.

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The Costs

“An excellent service with countless benefits to the school.......superb value for money”
Head teacher, middle school, Barnsley

Visits are charged either by the hour, half- or full-day (i.e. 9 am - 12 noon, or 1 pm - 4 pm, or similar).

Please contact us if you would like further information, would like to book THE ANIMAL MAN, or for a full, no-obligation quote."

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