Making mucus marvellous at Dartmoor Zoo's half term Slime Week

Family attraction, Dartmoor Zoo, invites children of all ages to get closer to marvellous mucus this half term with a themed programme of fun and educational activities focusing on slime in nature. Slime Week will run 10am - 4pm daily between 12 - 18 February and all activities are FREE with Zoo admission.

Interactive Snail Trail
Grab a smartphone to take part in a free augmented reality Snail Trail. Available via a free app which can be downloaded using the Zoo's guest wifi, the Snail Trail will take guests on a wide-ranging exploration of Dartmoor Zoo. Fun slime facts have been hidden around the zoo park: follow the trail to find them all, then visit the Jaguar Restaurant to claim your prize.

Make Your Own Slime
Slime isn't just for animals so children - and adults! - are invited to get stuck in to making their own colourful slime to take home. Each day between 12 - 18 February, slime-making sessions will run at 11.30am and 2.30pm in the Gallery adjacent to the Jaguar Restaurant. No booking is required and slime-making is free to join in. Children must be supervised.

Close Encounters
Meet some of the Zoo's slimiest residents in the Close Encounters area adjacent to the Jaguar Restaurant. Reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates provide a fascinating insight into some of the incredible ways creatures use slime to survive - and thrive. Free daily talks will take place at 12pm and 3pm with an opportunity to get hands on with some special species.

Slime occurs in numerous animals including reptiles, fish, amphibians and even humans. Some use it to deter predators, to travel, and some to trap harmful bacteria.

Dartmoor Zoo Head of Discovery and Learning, Coral Jonas, explains: "Slime occurs throughout the natural world with an enormous variety of adaptations. For example, it helps creatures to survive in harsh environments, ward off predators and protect their bodies. From newts to parrotfish, and snails to people, slime is everywhere in nature and we're excited to encourage our visitors to get stuck in to Slime Week."

To find out more about Slime Week at Dartmoor Zoo, visit https://www.dartmoorzoo.org.uk/whats-on/

Dartmoor Zoo was established in 2007 when Benjamin Mee and his family bought an ailing zoo. Since then Ben, his family and team have built the Zoo into the popular tourist attraction it is today. Ben wrote a book about his experience and in 2011 it was made into the Hollywood Film 'We Bought a Zoo' starring Matt Damon. In 2014 the Zoo became a charity, of which Ben is CEO. Today the Zoo is heavily involved in research, conservation and education projects to promote the welfare of animals and to enrich both the lives of humans and animals.