Swindon College

Reptile Rooms, two large aviaries and a large racoon enclosure and prairie dog enclosure

Zoo Fab partnered with Swindon College to deliver a comprehensive redevelopment of their animal management facilities, creating a series of modern, engaging, and welfare-focused exhibits that support both practical teaching and industry-standard husbandry.

A major highlight of the project is the construction of a new raccoon habitat. Designed with ample space, complex climbing structures, and a rich mix of natural and artificial features, the enclosure allows students to observe and manage the species’ inquisitive behaviour safely and effectively. Durable materials, thoughtful theming, and robust access systems ensure the habitat remains both functional and visually impressive.

We also installed two large aviaries, each tailored to maximise flight space, environmental stimulation, and clear visibility for learners. These aviaries combine strong, predator-safe mesh with high-quality timber and steel framing, complemented by varied perching, planting, and environmental zones to showcase best practices in bird and mixed-species habitat design.

Inside the animal care building, Zoo Fab delivered significant upgrades to the reptile facilities, creating a series of spacious, modern enclosures suited to larger-bodied reptiles. Each unit incorporates specialist heating and lighting, toughened viewing windows, advanced environmental controls, and naturalistic internal theming. These improvements not only enhance welfare but also provide students with hands-on experience managing complex reptile systems in a professional-standard setting.

To round out the project, we constructed a dedicated prairie dog enclosure designed around natural behaviours such as digging, social interaction, and sentinel activity. The enclosure includes deep substrate areas, reinforced burrowing zones, and open vantage points, giving the animals freedom to express their full behavioural repertoire while offering a dynamic teaching resource for staff and students.

Together, these developments form a cohesive, high-quality collection of exhibits that elevate Swindon College’s animal care department. The new facilities deliver exceptional educational value, modern aesthetics, and industry-aligned welfare standards—setting a strong foundation for both learning and long-term animal management.

A space enclosed with wooden framing and wire mesh, with a small wooden staircase leading up to a higher level, and a partially open wooden door.
Interior of a small animal enclosure or cage with wooden framing and wire mesh panels, including a small door with a black panel and a door handle.
3D model of a circular structure with walls, a central round platform, and various dimensions marked, possibly a building or venue layout.
An outdoor wooden playground with a rock fountain, elevated wooden walkways, and a climbing rope, surrounded by a grassy area and enclosed by wooden and wire fencing, with high-rise buildings in the background.
3D model of a house with wooden framing, interior walls, a staircase, a blue spiral slide, and a yard with a pathway.
A person standing on a ladder working inside an unfinished wooden structure with 2 levels, wire mesh walls, construction tools scattered around, and construction materials leaning against the wall.
Construction site with a fenced area, dirt pile, and orange cones in front of a modern multi-story building with blue windows.
Construction site with a worker sitting on large rocks next to a partially built stone wall, wooden framing, construction tools, construction cones, and equipment in the background under a cloudy sky.
A garden with a rocky wall and soil, featuring small plants and a young tree.
Construction site with a large artificial rock formation and a metal fence, near a modern building and a sports field under an overcast sky.
Construction site with partially built wooden structure, ladder, and construction worker, surrounded by dirt and building materials.
Under construction wooden building with scaffolding, orange traffic cone, and construction materials in an urban area.
A wooden animal enclosure with a small pond, rocks, and climbing structures for animals.
A small animal enclosure with a wooden frame, mesh sides, and a door, containing a fallen tree and some plants, with a building in the background.
A garden with young plants in dark soil, a wooden structure with ropes, a stone wall, and a wooden door under a cloudy sky.