The Impact of Animals: In History & Today

Have you ever wondered how animals have impacted history? In this exciting class, we will discover the stories of real-life animals & how they made their mark on the world!

Each week we will explore the tales of famous creatures from dogs like Balto, who helped deliver a life saving medicine to the people of Nome, to the horses who fought alongside humans in the war, as well as messenger pigeons like Cher Ami, who saved thousands of lives by delivering a letter despite his injury, & many more!

Through interactive games, discussions & creative activities we will analyse the lives of these animals. We will create animal biographies, imagine 'What If?' scenarios & more. Learners will join in on active discussions of these key moments in animal history whilst we bring their stories to life.

This class is perfect for anyone who is curious about animals and their amazing impact on the world. Each session is stand-alone, so learners can join at any time and start exploring the extraordinary animals who shaped our world!

Week of February 24th - Week 1: Balto (The sled dog hero).

Week of March 3rd - Week 2: Sergeant Reckless (A Korean war hero horse). 

Week of March 10th - Week 3: Wisdom (The oldest confirmed wild bird).

Week of March 17th - Week 4: Able & Baker (1st monkeys to survive space flight & return to earth).

Week of March 24th - Week 5: Dolly (The cloned sheep).

Week of March 31st - Week 6: Hachiko (Loyal dog who waited for his owner).

Week of April 7th - Week 7: Seabiscuit (Underdog racehorse who became a symbol of hope).

Week of April 14th - Week 8: Cher Ami (Messenger pigeon who saved thousands of lives).

Week of April 21st - Week 9: Ham (1st chimpanzee to fly in space).

Week of April 28th - Week 10: Keiko (Orca who starred in Free Willy who sparked global awareness of animal ethics).

Week of May 5th - Week 11: Togo (The 'real hero' of the Serum Run).

Week of May 12th - Week 12: Secretariat (Record breaking racehorse).

Week of May 19th - Week 13: G.I. Joe (War hero pigeon who delivered a life saving message).

Week of May 26th - Week 14: Washoe (1st non-human to learn sign language).

Week of June 2nd - Week 15: Bomb sniffing rats (Rodents saving lives through scentwork).

Week of June 9th - Week 16: Greyfriars Bobby (Loyal dog who guarded his owners grave for years).

Week of June 16th - Week 17: Bucephalus (Alexander the Great's legendary horse).

Week of June 23rd - Week 18: Jimmy (famous acting bird).

Week of June 30th - Week 19: Hellion (Service monkey).

Week of July 7th - Week 20: Sergeant Stubby (war hero dog).

Week of July 14th - Week 21: War horses (how equines helped humans in war).

Week of July 21st - Week 22: Stumpy (One-legged war hero pigeon).

Week of July 28th - Week 23: Indah & Azy ('Think Tank' primates).

Week of August 4th - Week 24: Venomous animals (how venom is being researched & used in medicine).

Week of August 11th - Week 25: Wojtek (Polish Military Bear).