June 21, 2006
By Emmanuel Mulaudzi
AFRAID of winter holiday boredom? Fear no more; the Johannesburg Zoo has planned plenty of fun programmes to keep children entertained, occupied and informed about the animal kingdom.
For those aged seven to 14, there's a double treat in store. The main programme centres around two themes: Zoovivor and Chill Factor. In Zoovivor they'll learn more about how animals survive in the wild, find out why the giraffe has such a long neck and tigers learn to swim.
"It is going to be based on the animals we can see at the zoo," said the zoo's educationist Louise Matschke.
Joburg Zoo aims to 'create an appreciation for animals' by running a school holiday programme
Chill Factor is a little less conventional and tests whether participants feel creepy around bugs or things slimy. They will get the chance to hear some awesome animal tales, find out chilling facts, play energetic games and make some creepy crafts.
For the younger set – kids aged three to six – there's a wide range of fun learning activities in store.
One option is to learn more about animals that live in the cold, the most obvious being the polar bear. "Johannesburg Zoo is the only zoo in Africa that has a polar bear," says Matschke.
A more surprising animal that falls into this category is the camel. "People only know camels as animals that live in desert areas," says Matschke. "We'll teach the children much more than that."
Children will also get the opportunity to interact with animals, learn more about their environments and ride on the zoo's ferry. There will also be story time and loads of animal demonstrations.
The aim is "to create an appreciation for animals", says Matschke.
In addition the zoo is also running Moonlight Tours during the winter break. Family and friends can see the nocturnal animals and relax around the bonfire with hot refreshments.
The tours are on 5 and 12 July and 16 and 23 August from 5.15pm. The price is R65 per person and booking is essential.
Programme for the three to six-year-olds
Antelope Antics on 4 July and 15 August will introduce the youngsters to some of the zoo's antelopes. Icy Animals on 11 July and 22 August showcases animals that live in the cold.
The programmes run from 9am to 11am. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The cost is R50 per child and R32 per adult and includes refreshments, a ferry ride as well as an animal demonstration or story.
Programme for the seven to 14-year-olds
From 3 to 7 July, and from 14 to 18 August, children will be able to attend the Zoovivor course, while Chill Factor runs from 10 to 14 July and 21 to 25 July.
Programmes run from 9am to 1pm. Enrolment is R50 per child per day, with the option to attend one day or all 10.
For more information contact Louise Matschke on 011 646 2000 ext 263.
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