IE : Byculla zoo plans awareness courses for teachers : Sept 17, 2007

Byculla zoo plans awareness courses for teachers

 SEPTEMBER 16

EVEN AS the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) mulls over the Rs 434-crore makeover
of Rani Bagh in Byculla, the latter's management is making the most of the
borrowed time by using it to educate people about the significance of the
zoo as an education centre.

The zoo plans to invite teachers from various city schools for an awareness
course on its role in conservation, history and a brief insight into future
plans. If all goes well, the first classes will be rolling by December,
according to A L Paranchpe, the education/public relation officer of the
zoo.

"Most Indians look at the zoo as a place for enjoyment, a place they come
for 'picnic'. They often don't realise its importance in preserving
endangered species. We want people to understand that Rani Bagh is not just
a place you come to have fun and see animals, but a place where you educate
yourself about various regions and species," said Paranchpe.

The training will start at the open-air theatre where the teachers will be
given a half-hour interactive lecture, followed by a guided tour and a
question-and-answer session. "Interest in animals is always there, but what
is needed is a positive interest. Teachers should know how to help students
use the zoo as a place for guidance and education. If the children's
perspective change, they will stop teasing animals just to elicit a
response," Paranchpe said.

He said teachers played a major role in changing the common viewpoint and
insensitivity towards animals. "Teachers are a great medium. They can train
the next generation. And since they come in contact with so many parents,
they can instruct them as well. That's why we want to educate teachers-they
have the potential to change a mindset," he said.

Once the makeover comes through, Paranchpe said the zoo would have
conservation, education and interpretation centres at different spots within
its premises, where students, teachers and families could stop by for
instruction and finding answers to their queries.

Publication : IE; Section : News; Pg : 2; Date : 17/9/07
URL :
http://70.86.150.130/indianexpress/ArticleText.aspx?article=17_09_2007_522_005