MYSURU: Sixty students representing 36 institutions consisting of 38 boys and 22 girls successfully took part in the activities conducted as part of Youth Club-2014 at the Mysore zoo last year.
The youth club aims to develop leadership qualities among the youth to spread the message of wildlife protection and environmental protection.
Since the launch of the Youth Club in 1993, 1,240 students belonging to 96 institutions of Mysuru have graduated under the programme.
On Sunday, chief guest Shivarathri Deshikendra Swami of Suttur Mutt gave away certificates to the participants of the 22nd Youth Club at a function held at the zoo auditorium.
Zoo Authority of Karnataka (ZAK) Chairperson Rehana Banu presided over the function. ZAK member secretary R.S. Suresh and zoo executive director B.P. Ravi were present.
On the occasion, Mr. Shivanna, Administrative Officer of Mysore zoo, one of the longest-serving employees of the zoo, was felicitated by the seer.
“The youth club has given a platform to the students to learn more about flora and fauna and also about nature. The Youth Club has been very helpful in creating awareness among students,” Mr. Ravi said.
Field practicals covering cleaning of cages, animal behavior studies, visitors’ interaction, visitors’ survey, animal census, birds’ survey, etc. were held as part of the year-long programme. Exposure trips to in-situ conservation areas were also arranged.
Eminent resource persons delivered lectures on biodiversity, climatic change, African wildlife, reptiles, primates, insects, forest and wildlife, etc.
The field trips to Ranganatittu bird sanctuary, Kokkare Bellur bird sanctuary and Bandipur Tiger Reserve helped the students have first-hand experience of wildlife management.
The students sighted wild animals at the Bandipur reserve, Mr. Ravi said in a release here.
Apart from Youth Club, five literary competitions were held during the year. More than 720 participants took part in the competitions and a total of 84 prizes along with certificates were distributed to the winners.
Since its launch in 1993, 1,240 students from 96 institutions of Mysuru have benefited.
