BARNSLEY College has opened a new reptile room at its Wigfield Farm campus as part of a major investment into its facilities.

This state-of-the-art space gives students real hands-on experience with a wide variety of exotic species, helping them develop the practical skills they need for a successful career in animal care.

Students now have the chance to work directly with species usually only seen in specialist reptile centres, making learning even more engaging and meaningful.

One of the stars of the new room is Mr Bumps, a rare rhino iguana.

He’s part of an endangered species with fewer than 2,500 mature individuals left in the wild.

A panther chameleon, frilled dragon, thick-tailed gecko, emerald tree monitor, and a scorpion are also at the site.

Peter Wood, head of department for Animal Management at Barnsley College, said: “The enhanced reptile room is a significant upgrade to our Animal Management programme.

“It provides our students with even greater opportunities to work closely with a diverse range of exotic species, offering hands-on experience that goes beyond traditional classroom learning.

“This facility not only supports their learning but also equips them with the practical skills needed to thrive in a competitive industry, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future careers in animal care.”