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Madagascar project for schools in Prague Zoo
By František Šusta, Prague Zoo
On 1 May 2007, 'May Day' in the Prague Zoo was devoted to school projects on the topic 'Save Madagascar'. More than 200 children, aged 7 to 15, worked on nine projects within the framework of the programme. Each group had its own spot in the zoo where they presented Madagascar to the visitors from different points of view and in an interesting and playful way. At the same time they sold their own products or activities, thereby raising money for the campaign. In one day they managed to collect 34,947 CZK (approx. €1,240) for the campaign!
This event was similar to the one for the EAZA Save the Rhinos campaign that was organised last year. When the zoo introduced the competition this year several schools were contacted and offered numerous topics for the project. However, the children could choose their own topic as well. They developed their activities during lessons at school and on 1 May they got the opportunity to present their projects to the visitors of the Prague Zoo (there were 12,253 visitors on that day).
One of the projects, called 'Green Madagascar', focused on the richness and uniqueness of the plant species on Madagascar. Visitors decorated flowerpots with Malagasy designs or watched a theatre performance inspired by tales of the trees in Madagascar. Another activity, the 'Madagascar fitness test', drew the attention to the exceptional abilities of the Malagasy animals and the topic 'Discover new species' pointed out that new species are still being discovered on the island. Through face painting the visitors at this spot changed into various strange creatures with scientific names and certificates. At other spots the visitors could learn about the traditions and culture of Malagasy people, watch a theatre performance based on Madagascar fairy tales, buy a Madagascar gingerbread animal, buy a chameleon made of clay, an animal mask or draw the Madagascar animals.
All the projects were assessed by a jury that chose the most original and best-prepared project. The winner in the category of lower grades was the school Mazurská with the topic 'Green Madagascar' and in the category of higher grades the school Generála Klapálka from Kralupy nad Vltavou won with the topic 'Discover new species'. As the event was so successful, other Czech zoos organised their own Madagascar days in cooperation with schools.
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