Zenzeleni Primary School's Grade 4 to 6 pupils visit Reptile City in Randburg.
Did you know that crocodiles have no tongues, snakes have no ears and that all protected species have rights which, if violated, can lead to a perpetrator’s prosecution?
A very brave Amanda Garikayi of Zenzeleni Primary School gets to feel a snake at Reptile City in Randburg.
This is knowledge which 235 Grade 4 to 6 pupils of Zenzeleni Primary School and six teachers recently acquired during a visit to Reptile City in Randburg.
These children are now wiser about nature, unlike other Alex children who rarely venture out of their crowded surroundings where their only occasional animal interaction is with dogs and rarely with cats.
Nezwindini Nechimboni, Zenzeleni Primary School teacher wears a python around his neck at Reptile City in Randburg.
Teacher Thabo Maake said the theme of the tour was reptiles and exposed the children to live crocodiles, anacondas, puff adders and other types of snakes, lizards and tortoise. “They touched and held some of them, were informed that they too, like humans, are creatures of nature and have a right to life.
“Those who kill protected species can face prosecution. They are advised to report animals which stray from their natural setting to the SPCA for retrieval.”
Thabo Maake, Zenzeleni Primary School teacher does it for his watching wards.
He added that the children were now aware that earless snakes detect movement through ground vibrations, and that the tongueless crocs only eat occasionally so to not overburden their slow digestive system. Also, they saw reptile eggs, were taught how they hatched, their growth time, age limit and mannerisms.
A very brave Amanda Garikayi of Zenzeleni Primary School gets to feel a snake at Reptile City in Randburg.
“We hope the exposure helped to [address] negative information on animals and nature peddled on some TV programmes,” said Maake.
