Wild and wonderful animals crawled into the classroom for biology week.

Bearded dragons, lizards, meerkats, millipedes, snakes and scorpions were just some of the unusual visitors to Hampton School this week.

Television wildlife expert, Pete Prodromou, aka Safari Pete, visited the school with his menagerie of wild and exotic animals as part of national biology week.

Pupils from Hampton and Denmead Schools examined, held and stroke the animals and asked questions to the animal specialist, who spoke about the importance of living in harmony and safety with wildlife.

James Nally, 11, from Teddington found himself with a Bearded Dragon on his head, which he said was brilliant.

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James said: “I’ve never seen animals like these before and I learnt such a lot.

“I was a bit worried when Safari Pete put the dragon on my head but he sat really still on my hair as if he was relaxing.

“Apparently they like to be in high places so I think he was very happy up there – It was great.”

Biology teacher Katya Martin, who organised the event, said that it was a wonderful learning experience for all the pupils.

She said: “Pete’s visit was to raise awareness of the importance of conservation of animals and habitats.

“Most of the animals brought to school for this event were rescued by Pete.”

 

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