Learning Journey to the Zoo

Today, 1F pupils went on their 1st learning journey to the zoo. We wanted to provide our children the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. The children made use of digital cameras to snap photos for discussion back in school. Our 1st stop was the Treetops Trail where we could see the White-faced Saki Monkey and the False Gharial, a freshwater crocodile with a thin and long snout. The children had fun snapping photos of their favourite scenes.

After a glimpse of the otters, we continued walking until we saw a stand of flamingoes. Some children told me that both mama and papa flamingoes could produce milk for their young. We were amazed, especially when we learnt that the milk produced was pink! Remind me of strawberry milkshake...

We were intrigued by the bellowing from the Black Howler Monkey. Everytime the children responded to its call, it triggered more howls and it got louder and louder. Such interactive symphony between the children and the monkey was an eye-opener. 1F children also learnt that the female one was brownish-yellow while the male was black.

We stopped at the Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre for the Splash Safari show. The children had ample time to munch on the snacks they had bought. I am glad to see them share their snacks with one another. The children threw their litter into the rubbish bag we had brought along. I am proud of their conscious efforts to keep the environment clean.

Before the show began, 1F pupils put on their raincoats in anticipation of the splash activity. They squealed with delight as the sealion dived in and out of the water, flipped high up into the air and through the ring. I am proud of our children for being such attentive audience.

When the host called for volunteers for the splash, our pupils went forward near the stage almost stimultaneously. They were all geared up for the sealion splash. The audience was captivated by their bubbly personality and contagious laughter. I am proud of their gungho attitude.

On our way to the Rainforest Kidzworld, we saw the reddish-brown orang utans which are one of the most intelligent primates. I pointed out to the children the life-sized bronze statue of Ah Meng, the famous orang utan of the zoo that died in 2008.

1F pupils loved photo-taking and they came up with marvellous poses. Ms Eng, the parent volunteers and I couldn't resist the urge to pose for the camera too.

At the Rainforest Kidzworld, it was a close encounter with the horses and goats. We had fun learning the names of the horses and some pupils eventually plucked up the courage to approach the goats and their kids. I was amused by the pupils who pinched their nose because of the unpleasant smell. They could just hold their breaths :)

Along the way, we caught sight of two chimpanzees among the trees. We learnt that their diet was mainly fruit, seeds, barks and honey and that they could live up to 35 to 40 years. The children were amazed to find out how clever the chimpanzees were. Besides the lions, we also spotted other interesting animals like the proboscis monkey with a large nose and the mandrill which was probably the most colourful primate.

The giraffe is the tallest land animal. It has extremely long neck and legs. The children were fascinated by the giraffe skull displayed.

1F children, do you know that the nyala is a Southern African antelope? The female has no horns and no noticeable fringe. It is reddish brown with white vertical striping.

Today was a fruitful and fun-filled day. A big THANK YOU to Madam Suhiana and Madam Elicia for accompanying us on the trip. We are blessed with caring parent volunteers like you.