A trip to the zoo can boost a child’s knowledge of science and conservation more than simply learning through books or lessons, research suggests.

Youngsters knew more about issues such as endangered species and conservation efforts after a visit, according to a study by researchers at Warwick University.

The study, conducted at London Zoo, asked more than 3,000 schoolchildren aged seven to 14 about their knowledge of animals, habitat and conservation before and after their trip.

The findings show that after visiting London Zoo, more than half (53 per cent) of pupils knew more about at least one area of the zoo’s education or conservation efforts, such as understanding animals and their habitats, endangered species or conservation.

After their visits oungsters were more likely to say that zoos are for saving animals from extinction and that they are for learning.

They were also likely to have more personal concern for wildlife conservation, and to use terms such as “canopy” and “rainforest” correctly.

Pupils were asked to draw pictures of animals in their habitat before and after their visit and class session.

The results showed that pupils had a clearer understanding of the species they had studied afterwards – with youngsters drawing animals more accurately and placing them in the correct habitats.

Eric Jensen, a professor of socio-logy at Warwick University, said: “Globally, more than a tenth of the world’s population passes through zoos annually so the potential is there to reach a huge audience.

“In recent years zoos have come under criticism for failing to demonstrate educational impact, with certain lobbying groups arguing that it is cruel to keep animals captive.

“But zoos have been changing for years now to offer more educational and conservation information; ‘behind the scenes’ access for visit-ors; learning about habitat conservation work – all of which culminate in a better engagement experience for the visitor.”