Halesowen College animal care student has spent six weeks in the Galapagos Islands monitoring vulnerable marine iguanas. 

Jared Chohan, who is in his second year of Level 3 Animal Management course at College, was selected as part of the team to fly drones along the coastline to search for the animals. 

The research team wanted to find out the location and size of the marine iguana population but Jared also got to see a range of different animals including seals, dolphins, manta rays and many bird species. 

Jared said: “The trip was amazing, I got to see so many things and use my drone flying skills to make a positive contribution to wildlife conservation.” 

The 18-year-old found out about the research trip from his lecturer Emma Niemczyk and her contact with the University of Wolverhampton. 

Emma added: “These opportunities do not come up very often but at Halesowen College we like to make sure students are aware of these and help them to apply to take part.”

Jared lives in Halesowen and is a former pupil of Leasowes School.