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The Cole Museum of Zoology at the University of Reading has been awarded accredited museum status by Arts Council England.

The accreditation is a hallmark of quality and to get it, the museum had to meet national standards for the management, the services offered and how collections are cared for.

The Cole Museum of Zoology on the university's Whiteknights campus forms part of the university’s School of Biological Sciences and was established in the early 20th century by Francis J. Cole, Professor of Zoology from 1907 to 1939.

Related: Look behind the scenes at Reading Museum

The museum houses about 3,500 specimens with around 400 usually on display at any given time.

Highlights include the complete skeleton of a male Indian elephant, a false killer whale, a five metre reticulated python and a pair of giant spider crabs.

With hundreds of specimens of great zoological significance, the Cole Museum dedicates itself to demonstrating the rich diversity of the animal kingdom.

Did you know Reading had its own elephant skeleton? Comment below

Museum curator Dr Amanda Callaghan said: “We are delighted that the Cole Museum has been recognised by Arts Council England and it is a testament to the quality of exhibits on display. "

She went on: “Much of the collection is cared for by student volunteers and the accreditation means that they can all be proud that their work is judged to be at nationally approved standards.”

To find out more about the museum, visit this website