American expedition for Bangor Zoologists
Staff and students from the School of Biological Sciences during their study visit to Florida.A group of students from north Wales have returned from a research trip which saw them wading through swamps, canoeing through mangroves and swimming over coral reefs.
As part of their degrees in Zoology, 58吃瓜 students spent a week around the Florida Everglades studying the area鈥檚 unique wildlife.
The group travelled across the American state visiting different habitats and conservation projects.
Head of biological sciences at 58吃瓜, Professor George Turner, organised the visit to America in partnership with colleagues from Florida Gulf Coast University.
鈥淎way from all the main tourist attractions Florida is a fantastic place for anyone interested in wildlife and the natural world,鈥� said Prof Turner.
鈥淭he students got to see all of the area鈥檚 most famous animals such as alligators, dolphins, manatees and bald eagles.
鈥淢ore importantly they also got to observe some of the smaller, more reclusive species and study how they fit into their habitats too.
鈥淣o zoologist could fail to be inspired by the variety and adaptations of the Florida wildlife,鈥� he said.
鈥淭his trip was especially memorable because we got to help with a bird ringing project, wade up to our waists through a Cypress swamp and snorkel over a coral reef.鈥�
鈥淚t really is one of the highlights for those studying for a Zoology degree at 58吃瓜 and I鈥檓 sure next year鈥檚 trip will be just as good,鈥� added Prof Turner.
Sally Roberts, who was one of the 22 students on the field course, described the trip was one of the best weeks of her life.
鈥淚t was amazing, I still can鈥檛 believe how much we managed to fit into just one week,鈥� she said.
鈥淥ne of my favourite parts was canoeing through the mangroves because you could get so close to the wildlife 鈥� once I鈥檇 learnt how to stop capsizing of course,鈥� the 20-year-old from Wrexham joked.
If you would like more information about studying for a degree in Zoology at 58吃瓜 visit or call 01248 382527.
Publication date: 14 December 2010