May 16, 2005
By Tabisa Mntengwana
"HALLO Twist," children from Kagiso's Khaselihle Public School joyfully greeted the Siberian tiger as it approached the fence of the enclosure.
The pupils were visiting the Johannesburg Zoo as part of Vukuzenzele, its adopt-a-school programme that gives children from disadvantaged areas a chance to spend a day with the wild animals.
More than 50 children from Khaselihle certainly enjoyed their day with the animals - stopping at the big cats' enclosures where they learned about the tigers, pumas and lions, and watching the great apes in action.
The aim behind Vukuzenzele is to teach children about wild animals, focusing on their behaviour and diet. It is a joint project run by the zoo, with the help of business. Companies adopt a school and ensure that the pupils visit the zoo once a year. More than 10 companies are involved.
It was set up in 2000, and children who visit the zoo are selected by their schools based on their good academic records.
Drager Safety South Africa, which makes safety equipment, adopted Khaselihle Public School in 2004 as part of its corporate responsibility programme.
Company representatives accompanied the children and their teachers on their trip, on Friday, 13 May.
Before the zoo, however, the children were taken to Drager's offices and given a tour of the premises. Adding to the educational quotient of the day, Drager also presented a talk on choosing a career.
"These trips are not only for the kids to have fun but are educational and will give them a better understanding of the animals," said Michael Mather, Drager's strategic marketing manager.
Once at the zoo, it was the turn of zoo educationist Teresa Slacke, who took the children straight to the Siberian tigers, the animals adopted by the company. From there it was more big cats, with the pumas and lions. Then they got to see the polar bears being fed.
The last stop was the ape house, where each pupil was given a picnic basket with snacks, cold drinks and fruit.
"I enjoyed myself today, particularly seeing the polar bears. They are so huge," said 11-year-old Nosipho Khumalo. "I have learnt a lot about wild animals and the way they behave."
Slacke said the children were not only taught about the animals. "They are also told of career opportunities with wild life."
For more information on how to adopt a school contact Teresa Slacke on 011 646 2000 ext 261.
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