Children enjoying a day out at the Joburg Zoo

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Going green at the Joburg Zoo The Johannesburg Zoo is planning a special day for children that will be filled with entertainment - and information - to commemorate World Environment Day this year June 1, 2006 By Tabisa Mntengwana CHILDREN can celebrate World Environment Day a few days early this year with an activity-filled day at the Johannesburg Zoo on Friday 2 June. Under the theme "Deserts and Desertification", activities will run from 10am to 1pm. The event is a joint venture by the zoo, the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Food and Trees for Africa, Birdlife Africa, Joburg Water, The Spider Club of Southern Africa, Rand Water and 20/20. The zoo and its partners will set up "edutainment stalls" with information on how to take care of the environment. There will also be visits to the animal enclosures. "The purpose of this event is for schoolchildren and the public to learn and know more about the environment and appreciate it," said Lawrence Tshokgohle, one of the zoo's educationists. World Environment Day is annually commemorated on 5 June and is aimed at raising awareness of the environment. It coincides with National Environment Week, which runs from 5 to 11 June. The zoo has invited more than 20 schools from around the city to be part of theevent. According to a press release from the zoo, subjects that will be covered include the importance of trees and water to our environment; the role that animals play in our lives; and what can be done to prevent the destruction of our environment in an urban setting. Observing this year's theme, the zoo will teach the children about animals from the desert and also what to expect if one visits a desert. Entrance to the event is R13 a person for school groups and normal rates apply for individuals. For more information contact Lawrence Tshokgohle at 011 646 2000 ext 262. Permission to use web site material Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as: Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website (www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency (www.joburg.org.za)"; If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original article on this website; The name of the article's author is acknowledged; The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill in this brief online form). Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 Print this Page E-mail this article to a friend Help using Joburg.org.za