AMAR # 1757 – A Day out in the Zoo – Aux. Wad. (Primary)

   Primary Excursion: 2022-23

“Field trips provide authentic hands-on experimenting learning opportunities where students can connect what they are learning in classroom, a real – world context”. Stephanie Smith Budhai. An excursion is a trip by a group of people or students usually made for leisure, education, or physical purposes. It is a journey or visit to a place, sometimes for other (typically work-related) purposes.

The students of Std.1 to 3 from Auxilium Convent Wadala had visited the Byculla Zoo on 13^th January. The Zoo is a very huge property with lots of new enclosures being constructed. The entrance is nice. Ticket counters and security checks are properly maintained. A lot of animals are now available to see. Arrangements for animals and birds are nicely maintained. A separate area is arranged with penguins which are kept 24 hours cooled and suited with penguins’ survival point of view. The playground is available for children. A food court is available which is clean and well arranged. Overall, a nice place for all ages.

We started the trip by seeing a huge cannon and King Edward VIII on the magnificent Kala Ghoda. Then we moved onward to see the elephant, bear, tiger (very crowded but worth it), jackal, leopard, hyena, sambar deer, barking deer, swamp deer, spotted deer, stag, hippo (mostly under water), the penguins, tortoises, turtles (must watch them swim), Birds of paradise (Parrots, Parakeets, Macaw, Toucan) and aquatic birds (pelicans, spoonbill, flamingo, herons, stork). The gardens are very clean with lots of flowers and a huge play area.

The students had live encounter with tiger from the extremely large glass windows installed from front side of the tiger enclosure, it was a terrific experience, the tiger looks happy and energetic.

 It is an attraction for tourists. The students who got tired after walking too much in the zoo but after seeing the tiger they automatically got energetic. Good experience watching a tiger from a close distance. The enclosure is also good and offers a beautiful view of the predator.

After taking one round the students relaxed for some time in a cool and beautiful garden inside the zoo. They were allowed to have their snacks.

Before the students could take a break for lunch, the students were taken to the penguin enclosure. There were long queues to the penguin center. It took us 30 minutes under the sun to enter. As we entered and just start watching the mini penguins, the security guards rushed us out in just 2 seconds. The students didn’t even get a chance to see the penguins properly.

 Then the students had lunch break for 30 minutes. They were allowed to play in the garden. After lunch break, they were taken to see the monkeys and aquatic birds’ enclosure. There are three partitions in a huge cage where the monkeys are kept. The monkeys were active and funny. There are small monkeys, and some monkeys are large. The students enjoyed watching the monkeys. The cages are kept clean. There are three to four cages on this location. Monkey enclosure is big enough for them to play and jump around.  The Aqua Life having the big birds right in front of us without any barrier inside a 40 feet net enclosure was also an experience for the students. All the birds could be seen without any cages. The birds are literally flying near us. Zoo has most of the animals except lion, giraffe, peacock, zebra, crocodile, etc.

There are many beautiful gardens and shades where people could just relax and enjoy the surrounding greenery. The Zoo is an excellent spot to visit with kids and adults. It is well planned, and walkways are easy and wheelchair friendly. The penguin enclave is the showstopper. In addition to the abundant animals, the entire atmosphere with paved walkways and nice large shady trees made it a pleasurable experience. Very nice well – maintained Zoo.

It’s a heaven for kids. A very nice place for learning experience for the students. We adults enjoyed it too. It’s been made beautifully. They don’t have cages rather beautiful and spacious enclosures for the animals and birds.
The zoo has lots of trees and plantation. Every tree is big and beautiful. Apart from animals, the trees are an amazing thing to look at in the zoo.

Dustbins are placed everywhere. Ample sitting place is provided throughout the zoo. Every sitting is different from the other. Restroom and drinking water are available at three or more places. There is a cafe inside that gives few options to eat and drink. There are many gardens like children’s garden, Rose Garden, butterfly garden, Japanese garden, childcare space, zoo hospital etc. There are parking area and washrooms inside the zoo. There are lots of species of plants and trees. The zoo premises are kept very neat and clean. The washrooms are very clean. It was a very good experience. Greenery inside, and lots of changes done and still going on. Steel cages and see through glass windows. The walk through in the bird section was the most beautiful experience. Great place to visit not only for kids but adults too! Huge vicinity with variety of animals.             The students had a wonderful time at the zoo. They returned home tired but very happy.