Hopwood Hall College welcomes early arrivals during summer break

Golden Guernsey Goats

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Three Golden Guernsey goats – a particularly rare breed -  and seven new Egyptian fruit bats have arrived at Hopwood Hall College Middleton campus.

The college has also rehomed a trio of pigmy goats from St Edward's C of E Primary School after the school closed its animal facilities.

The animals are part of the Animal Management & Nursing courses, designed to prepare people for working in the animal care and welfare industry.

Sarah Whitehurst, Programme Manager of Animal Management & Horticulture at the college, explained how the new arrivals will benefit students studying at the college, she said: “Everyone has been really excited whilst we have been waiting for the new arrivals. Apart from being interesting new additions to our animal community, they also represent a better education for our students.

“Having a rare breed of goat to work with will really enhance the experience gained by our students at the college.

"Our students will be learning about the needs, welfare and biology of each individual animal to help prepare them for working in the animal industry.

“Expanding our bat colony also gives them the rare opportunity to learn more about exotic, and in this case nocturnal, animals.

"With many of our students going on to work in industries such as veterinary care and the pet trade, it’s crucial they have as diverse a knowledge of animals as possible.”