The Negros Forests & Ecological Foundation’s (NFEFI) Biodiversity Conservation Center’s 2009 Junior Zookeeper Workshop starts tomorrow, April 14 at NFEFI’s enclosure by the Provincial Lagoon in Bacolod City. It ends on Saturday, April 18.

Preparing food for the animals - youngsters at a NFEFI Junior Zookeeper workshop

It’s open to youngsters between 7 and 15 years and is designed to give a greater understanding and appreciation of Philippine wildlife and what it takes to be a zookeeper.

Classes, which are from 1:30 to 4:30 pm daily, will be a mixture of  interactive lectures, practical activities, games and hands-on experience in caring for endangered Philippine animals. It encourages problem solving, discussion and team work.

The program aims towards having fun, but, at the same time, building an understanding of animals’ needs in the wild and in captivity.

Getting ready to feed the animals - youngsters at a NFEFI Junior Zookeeper workshop

Courses will be run by NFEFI-BCC’s veterinarian, Dr. Joanne Justo and education officer Mimie Ledesma.  To make the most of the experience classes will be kept small.

Topics include Philippine biodiversity, the role of zoos and breeding centers, bird, mammal and reptile biology, animal welfare, feeds and feeding behavior, environmental enrichment and tour guiding.

All participants of the course will receive a Junior Zookeeper certificate and the opportunity to enroll as a junior zoo volunteer.

The cost is Php 1,000 for each participant and includes afternoon snacks and a training kit. All proceeds will be used for the upkeep of the many birds and animals in NFEFI’s care.

For further information, please call NFEFI on 034 433 9234.