Zoo explores diversity

In the newest addition to its educational programme, the Joburg Zoo has introduced Animal Diversity Week, to teach children about the different species it houses.
ANIMAL behaviour is being studied during the first ever Animal Diversity Week at the Joburg Zoo, a new annual addition to the zoo’s educational calendar.

Eager to learn: children gather to learn about animalsEager to learn: children gather to learn about animalsRunning from 25 to 29 July this year, children in particular are urged to take part, and learn about different animal species.

During the week, learners can mingle with the zoo staff and satisfy their curiosity about their favourite animals at the zoo.

Animal keepers give educational talks on and live demonstrations with a variety of the zoo’s animals, including chimpanzees, rhino, nocturnal mammals, owls and snakes. The talks cover what the animals eat, how often they eat, how they communicate and what to do if you are ever attacked by one of the animals.

Each animal section at the zoo has an education stand, where children can handle, touch and feed the animals.

On Tuesday, 26 July, more than 200 children from disadvantaged Joburg schools were invited to spend the day at Animal Diversity Week. They were welcomed to the zoo by Nathi Mvula, the park’s education programme supervisor.

He said the aim of the week was to celebrate the diversity of animal species found at the zoo, such as birds, primates, reptiles and mammals.

“We needed to diversify by including as many species as possible which are representative of the zoo animals,” he said. “We invited schools from previously disadvantages communities to teach them about animal diversity.”

Nathi takes children throughNathi Mvula encourages children to know more about animal behaviourNzalo Ndou, a 10-year-old from Ditawana Primary School in Orlando, Soweto, said they not only had a chance to see the animals, but also learned about them. “We were told that chimpanzees like eating vegetables, and we cannot stay with them at home because they will open the fridge and eat everything,” he said.

Karabo Mabula, his classmate, spoke about his favourite animal – the snake. “Now I know that when I see a snake I have to stand still so that it does not even notice that I am around,” he said.

All children are urged to visit the zoo during the week and learn more about animal diversity, though booking is essential. Participating schools have been asked to donate food items such as popcorn kernels, dried fruit, bird food and bird toys to be used in daily animal enrichment.

Entrance to the zoo is R55 per adult and R30 per child. For more information, contact the Joburg Zoo’s education department on 011 646 2000 or email education@jhbzoo.org.za.