Psychologists Observe Animal Behaviour

by Isabella WK & Olivia R - Year 12

On Friday 21 June, a group of A Level psychology students were all lucky enough to enjoy a trip to Colchester Zoo. We went off in our own small groups and chose different animals to observe. We all chose at least two animals at the zoo to observe their behaviour and we used an app to create a chart from which we are now making notes in class. Our group observed Humboldt penguins and Capuchins, both very different species and found that they were both mainly showing social and active behaviours. 

We were able to interact with the educational coordinator at the zoo during a Q & A session, and it was enjoyable to hear about how animal training and conditioning is used to benefit the animals. We had a great time at the zoo and it really benefited us with learning how to observe animals.