A Sixth Form pupil at Rydal Penrhos gained another unforgettable experience as he continues to pursue a prestigious distinction.

Ethan Davies, a Year 13 pupil at the school, successfully completed the Sam Sykes Zoo Keepers’ Residential Programme at Blackpool Zoo to fulfil the residential component of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award.

The teenager flew independently from Cyprus, where he was based during the summer holidays, to the prominent attraction, where he spent a week with zoo staff and other people using the programme from across the country.

The five-day residential involved learning the work and role of a modern zoo, with important elements such as research, conservation, education and recreation featuring prominently throughout.

A large number of other components including the relationships between zoos and conservation, animal welfare, wildlife enrichment, enclosure usage and food preparation were also part of the programme, and Ethan was also given the opportunity of feeding some of the animals himself.

The programme also focussed on academic elements based on specific theory sessions, improving presentation skills and engaging with the public on issues surrounding conservation.

This is the latest in a series of volunteering efforts from the Sixth Former, who is aiming to add his name to the long list of pupils that successfully secured their Gold Award in recent years.

Senior School Head Sally Ann Harding, said: “Ethan is working exceptionally hard in his spare time in order to attain his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, and this was another memorable experience for him and one he undoubtedly got an enormous amount out of.”