Young children are susceptible to learning. From ages 6 to 14, children undergo both physical and mental development, which helps in establishing their sense of identity (Eccles, 1999). One important aspect of identity in which conservationists attempt to influence is that of environmental identity – the degree to which the natural environment and our relation to it is incorporated into our self-concept.

 

The various zoological parks in Singapore organize a range of activities (WRS Living Classrooms) targeted at educating young children. Let’s take a look at some of them below!

 

JUNIOR ZOO KEEPER

 

A junior zoo keeper

(image credits: education.zoo.com.sg)

 

The Junior Zoo Keeper program is a day-camp organized for children age 11 to 14 years old. The program aims to allow children to experience first-hand what it is like to be a zoo keeper. They will be allowed to take on the role and responsibilities of a zoo keeper, including food preparation and feeding. In addition, they will also be guided on how to conduct observation-based research, and come up with various enrichment activities for the animals.

 

CAMPS

 

Wildlife Reserves Singapore also organizes camps for primary school and secondary school groups. These include both overnight and non-overnight camps. (PS: this was the overnight camp that got me interested in the zoo!)

 

The camps include talks about various animals and their characteristics, as well as a behind-the-scene tour to one of 3 places in the zoo (the breeding area of Fragile Forest for butterflies, the reptile exhibits, or the world-class animal hospital). These tour will allow the students to better understand what goes on behind the day-to-day operations of the zoo. The overnight camp will continue with a trip to the Night Safari, before pitching tents for the night.

 

OTHERS

Wildlife Reserves Singapore also organizes other types of programs, such as outreach educational talks to schools around Singapore, as well as guided tours for school groups to the various zoological parks.

 

With these activities, children will be able to gain more information about wildlife and possibly start to develop an interest and attraction towards them.