The Edenpark Primary School group arrvies at the Johannesburg Zoo

RELATED LINKS: Children go wild for zoo's animals DISADVANTAGED school children are treated to a day of learning at Johannesburg Zoo under its Vukuzenzele programme. Read more World in one place at revamped zoo THE Johannesburg Zoo has begun an ambitious five-year upgrade to create a unique experience for visitors, recreating the diverse eco-zones of the planet. Read more Johannesburg Zoo THE zoo is one of the treasures of Johannesburg, a wonderful source of enjoyment and relaxation for locals and foreign visitors alike. Read more

The children meet an owl at the Johannesburg Zoo

Zoo educationist Imelda Matlala gives fascinating information about snakes

Wild Child Project gets kids to the zoo Disadvantaged children are being treated to a day of fun, games and learning at the zoo under Wild Child Project. It aims to instil in children a love and respect for animals. January 29, 2007 By Tabisa Mntengwana THE Johannesburg Zoo kicked off its new Wild Child Project by inviting children from Edenpark Primary School to a day of fun, games and learning. Joburg Zoo runs the project in conjunction with Comutanet and Putco. It began on Thursday, 25 January, with a group of more than 20 children It was set up to give disadvantaged children access to the zoo. "This is an opportunity for the kids to learn more about animals and not fear them," said Louise Gordon, the zoo's marketing officer. Getting 'cozy' with a snake: the Edenpark Primary School children learn about reptiles The Edenpark children arrived at the zoo at 10am, ferried in a branded bus sporting a Johannesburg Zoo logo and pictures of animals and trees. According to a press release, the bus will be used specifically to transport underprivileged children to the zoo. Using two non-venomous snakes, zoo educationist Imelda Matlala taught the children about reptiles. Another educationist, Lawrence Tshokgohle, warned the kids not to hit or play with snakes as some of them were poisonous. Next on the cards was a brief presentation on animals such as the elephant, cat, owl, ostrich and tortoise. "We have some of these animals here at the zoo but we warn you [visitors] not to feed them," Matlala said. After the lessons, the chairman of Comutanet, Kenny Maomela, spoke about his first experience at Joburg Zoo: "The visit to the zoo has re-kindled the child in me. I can't imagine how the kids feel being able to touch and learn about animals." The sponsors provided lunch for the children, who enjoyed the day out. Zoo visits for underprivileged children under Wild Child Project will take place every last Thursday of the month until December. 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