- Hosted by wildlife broadcaster and conservationist Lizzie Daly
- Digital classroom empowers the next generation to protect ecosystems
- Chester Zoo and Ferrero partner to raise awareness for Sustainable Palm Oil
London 12 June 2025 –
Marking World Rainforest Day, Chester Zoo is inviting teachers and pupils across the UK to take part in a free INTERACTIVE ONLINE LESSON streamed straight from the rainforest habitats at Chester Zoo and hosted by Wildlife Broadcaster and Conservationist Lizzie Daly.
Supported by Ferrero, the lesson on Monday 23rd June will see thousands of school children swap their textbooks for tree canopies as they learn about the vital role of rainforest habitats and the importance of conserving them for the wildlife and communities that depend on them.
The session will also delve into palm oil—a key forest commodity—and highlight why choosing sustainably sourced palm oil is essential for protecting this ecosystem. Children will have the opportunity to see behind-the-scenes footage, hear expert insights and take part in interactive activities as part of this unique opportunity to bring conservation into the classroom.
The Interactive Online Lesson is part of Ferrero and Chester Zoo’s ongoing education efforts to raise awareness for sustainable palm oil, a misunderstood ingredient that is more beneficial for biodiversity and ecosystems than conventional palm oil and many other unregulated vegetable oils. As part of their long-standing partnership, they are working to correct misinformation, build trust, and drive demand for sustainable palm oil for conservation benefit through education and community engagement.
The lesson, streamed by STEM Live and hi-impact, will showcase how Chester Zoo is working to protect rainforests around the world while giving kids the chance to engage with experts, ask questions, and discover practical ways they can contribute to conservation. This marks the second virtual lesson of its kind delivered by the charity, following a successful Earth Day session in April that reached 17,000 children.
Hosting the online lesson, Wildlife Broadcaster and Conservationist Lizzie Daly said, “Educating the next generation is key to nature conservation. It is so important to help young people understand the importance of protecting rainforests and making informed, sustainable choices.”
Senior Conservation Education Manager at Chester Zoo, Sean Dick added, “Sustainable palm oil is a key part of our work in conserving rainforest biodiversity worldwide, and as a conservation zoo, we encourage everyone to learn more about sustainable palm oil and why it’s so important. Rainforests are some of the most awe-inspiring and biodiverse places on Earth – home to countless species that play vital roles in the health of our planet. When young people understand its wonder, they’re inspired to protect it. Together, we can help nurture a brighter, greener future.”
As an advocate for sustainable palm oil, Ferrero has partnered with Chester Zoo since 2020 to support its awareness-raising programmes, sponsoring free unbranded education delivered to schools, along with resources for teachers and parents.
Charlie Cayton, Director of Corporate Affairs at Ferrero UK said, “We are passionate about educating the next generation about the environment and thanks to Chester Zoo’s programme, we are helping families learn about the complexities of sustainable versus unsustainable palm oil production, giving them the opportunity to become empowered sustainability advocates.”
Event Details:
- 📅 Monday 23 June 2025
- ⏰11:00 AM
- Sign up: HERE
- Who can join: The lesson is aimed at Key Stage 2 & Key Stage 3 students
Host: Wildlife Broadcaster and Conservationist Lizzie Daly
Engaging Educational Resources
As well as the session on Monday 23rd June, educators can download the free Sustainable Palm Oil Curriculum toolkits HERE for unbranded content to help teach students about the impact of palm oil production on rainforests and wildlife. The comprehensive, curriculum-linked resources for Key Stages 2 and 3 students include lesson plans, activities, and guides that delve into the environmental consequences of unsustainable palm oil production, such as habitat destruction in Borneo and Sumatra.
The toolkits feature a range of engaging activities, including:
- Writing chronological reports and persuasive letters
- Exploring food webs and animal classification charts
- Participating in debates and discussions on sustainability
- Understanding the lifecycle of rainforest species
The resources are designed to foster understanding of global environmental issues and the real-world impact of everyday products. By participating in a Sustainable Palm Oil Challenge for example, students can actively learn about eco-conscious shopping, the role of certification, and how sustainable practices support endangered species and biodiversity.
