HALESOWEN College’s Animal Care Unit has been awarded a top accreditation.

It has been given the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) accreditation.

To achieve the award the unit was inspected by the Head of Wildlife at West Midland Safari Park Angela Potter who looked at animal health and welfare, collection planning, health care provision and enclosure standards.

Being a member of BIAZA allows the college lecturers and learners to access a whole range of online resources and information in their Zoological Animal Health and Husbandry and Caring for Exotic Animal classes.

BIAZA is a membership association representing more than 100 zoos and aquariums.

Joe Cooke, Halesowen College’s Animal Unit Manager, said: “Achieving the BIAZA accreditation is hugely important in showing the colleges’ commitment to providing the highest standards of welfare for our animals.”

Angela Potter, Head of Wildlife at WMSP, said: “It was a pleasure to come along and inspect the animal collection at the college.

"I was very impressed with the facilities for a wide range of species, which must be a very useful resource for the young people on the animal care courses.

“The collection was exceptionally well managed and it was evident that the team who care for the animals are knowledgeable and passionate. "I had no hesitation in recommending to BIAZA, that the college had reached the high standards needed to be part of the organisation.”

BIAZA’s purpose is to bring together the best zoos and aquariums in Britain and Ireland to create a better future for the planet and its inhabitants.

It drives excellence in animal welfare, conservation, education and research.

Other local members include Dudley Zoo, Wild Zoological Park, West Midland Safari Park and Drayton Manor Zoo.