Bringing Psychology to Life: Exploring Animal Intelligence at Whipsnade Zoo

At St Mary’s School, we are pride ourselves on the outstanding enrichment opportunities we provide. One of the many ways we bring learning to life is through our exceptional programme of educational trips, such as the recent Psychology field visit to Whipsnade Zoo.

On Thursday, our Year 13 Psychology students enjoyed a fascinating morning immersed in the study of animal behavior. The visit began at the Chimpanzee Enclosure, where the ZSL Education Team delivered an engaging talk on Animal Intelligence. Students discovered the many ways intelligence manifests across the animal kingdom, from tool use and self-recognition to complex cooperative and Machiavellian strategies.

With fresh insights, students then took part in observational fieldwork, collecting data on the social and solitary behaviors of chimpanzees, Sulawesi crested macaques and François’ langurs. This practical experience is invaluable: back in the classroom, students will analyse their findings using a Chi-Squared inferential test to explore potential behavioural differences.

By linking research methods to real-world examples, this hands-on learning not only develops students’ data analysis skills but also deepens their understanding of how psychology applies beyond the textbook. It is exactly these kinds of experiences, combining academic rigour with engaging, real-world applications, that make studying at St Mary’s School so special.

At St Mary’s School, we believe education should inspire curiosity, creativity and confidence. Trips like this exemplify our commitment to offering students opportunities that are both intellectually challenging and memorable – one of the many reasons we are proud to be considered among Buckinghamshire’s leading schools.