‘Mooning’ the monkeys, smoking and running amok on the monorail – these are just some of the alleged reasons why an Oldham school has been banned from Chester Zoo.
A group of around 29 schoolchildren caused chaos on a trip to the zoo on Thursday as their unruly antics saw The Radclyffe School in Oldham slapped with a two-year ban.
Eye-witness reports suggest the children were found smoking, running amok on the monorail and baring their bottoms to the animals.
A spokesperson from the zoo said: “We have spoken and written to the head teacher and, due to the severity of the disruptive behaviour, regrettably we have had to take the step of banning the school from visiting until September 2015.
“We welcome schools to the zoo on the understanding that the students behave in such a way that does not cause problems for their fellow pupils, other visitors, the animals or staff. Fortunately, however, incidents of this nature are extremely rare.”
Around 300 students were on the trip as a treat for year nine and ten youngsters but unfortunately the disruptive behaviour spiralled out of control.
Head teacher Hardial Hayer has disputed the claim that 29 students were involved and sent home with the number actually being 24.
He explained that the school tries to uphold very high standards of behaviour inside and outside school and if they fall below those standards internal procedures are in place to deal with the situation.
Headteacher Mr Hardial Hayer said: “There were a couple of disciplinary issues during our visit to Chester Zoo, which school staff dealt with promptly and effectively. The school has taken firm disciplinary action against students involved.
“These incidents should be seen against the backdrop of all year groups being out on an educational experience day where the overwhelming majority behaved impeccably, had an enjoyable and interesting experience and were a credit to the school.”
Twitter was awash with students laughing about the ban and one gloated that he could see headlines in The Sun already.
One posted: “My school got banned from Chester zoo bc people smoked, threw vodka in the elephant enclosure and ran through the zebra enclosure.”
However a Chester Zoo spokesman confirmed to MM that none of the incidents involved the animal enclosures.
The school told MM that parents have been called in and spoken to about the incident.
Picture courtesy of Zund, with thanks.
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