Winter camp for kids in Visakhapatnam zoo

Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) has opened its gates to a different kind of learning this January with a four-day Winter Camp designed to take children beyond casual zoo visits and into the working heart of the institution. Scheduled from January 8 to January 11, the camp introduces young participants to animals, their care and the idea of conservation through direct experience rather than instruction alone, according to G Mangamma, curator, IGZP. Although the winter camp commenced on January 8, the zoo has kept registrations open, allowing children to enrol and join the programme midway during the four-day schedule.

Giraffes eating leaves in their enclosure at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
KR Deepak

Unlike routine holiday activities, the Winter Camp has been structured to allow children to observe, ask questions and spend time with the people who know the zoo best. Over four days, participants will move through animal enclosures, service areas and learning spaces that are otherwise closed to the public. A visit to the Zoo Veterinary Hospital and interactions with animal keepers are among the key components, offering children an understanding of animal health, daily routines and the responsibilities involved in caring for wildlife in captivity.

A red-necked wallaby spotted with its joey at Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP) in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
KR Deepak

The first day set the tone with a treasure hunt through the zoo grounds. This was followed by a hippo feeding session and an interaction with the animal keeper. There is a lot more in store for the upcoming days in the camp. On the second day, curiosity is directed towards a less discussed subject, animal waste. A session on what is informally referred to as zoo poo will help children learn how animal droppings reveal diet, health and habitat, followed by an activity where they attempt to match droppings to animals. Keeper-led sessions on peacocks and giraffes will further ground this learning in familiar species.

A behind the scenes tour is planned with visits to the zoo hospital and the kitchen where animal diets are prepared. These sessions are meant to show the coordination required to run a zoological park. Storytelling and an art session will provide quieter moments for participants to reflect on what they see and hear.

A meekat, in a playful mood at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam.
| Photo Credit:
KR Deepak

The camp fee is ₹600. Each participant will receive a Winter Camp participation certificate, an animal themed T-shirt, a zoo passport card offering 10 free zoo visits and educational material prepared by IGZP. The camp timings are 9.30am to 12.30pm.

Parents seeking further details may contact the assistant curator at 9491569344 or the zoo education officer at 7893632900.