Bengaluru: The Bannerughatta Biological Park Bengaluru is all set to kick off the 2023 edition of its “Zoo Club” on the 22nd of this month. This innovative program has garnered significant interest among schoolchildren and young adults in the city, as well as some from beyond its borders. The Zoo Camp was first launched in 2017 at BBPB, and each year, it has motivated 60 young individuals to embrace conservation, nurture their love for animals, and actively care for wildlife. Many of these participants have become influential ambassadors for BBPB within their communities, while a select few have gone on to volunteer for the park’s in-situ and ex-situ conservation efforts.
“Bannerughatta Biological Park Bengaluru (BBPB) is hosting the Zoo Club to inspire young minds to establish a deep connection with nature and wildlife and commit to the conservation of our natural world. This will be a 15-week program conducted on Sundays. It has played a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation into responsible stewards of nature and the rich biodiversity around them. These young minds have often spearheaded awareness campaigns within their neighborhoods,” stated Surya Sen, Executive Director of the Bannerughatta National Park.
One enthusiastic participant, Abhiram Nadiga, a ninth-grade student at Jyothi Kendriya Vidyalaya (D Section) in Yelchenahalli, Bengaluru, remains passionate about the experiences he gained at the Zoo Club in the past. He said, “I acquired a wealth of knowledge and developed a profound love for the denizens of the forests, igniting my curiosity to explore nature not only in our immediate surroundings but also in other places.” His father, Rajendra Nadiga, proudly mentions that Abhiram has been an environmental activist from a young age and has actively contributed to the “kids for tigers” movement. Abhiram even penned an article for National Geographic when he was just seven years old. After attending the Zoo Club at BBPB, his dedication to nature and wildlife conservation has grown significantly.
The sessions will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and will accommodate a maximum of 60 students aged 12 to 16. The program includes both classroom instruction and field visits, covering topics such as captive management, in-situ and ex-situ conservation, animal care, behavior, and welfare. It also offers members a unique opportunity to engage with experts in the field and explore potential careers in the realm of nature and wildlife conservation.
Applications are also accessible at the zoo itself.
The registration fee is Rs. 1,000, but this fee will be waived for government schoolchildren. Applications will be accepted until October 18, 2023, but registration will close once 60 students have enrolled.