Getting kids wild about animal life

ONE of Scotland’s biggest conservation charities has been working with children in Dundee in the hope of instilling a lifelong appreciation of wildlife.

More than 500 school pupils across the city have been visited by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS).

Its Wild About Scotland campaign aims to raise awareness of Scotland’s most endangered species and saw a double-decker bus filled with interactive exhibits and activities visit Craigowl, Dens Road and Fintry primaries to help them delve into Scottish animal life.

The programme focuses on native Scottish species and their habitats and environments, as well as on the importance of reducing carbon emissions and the planting of trees.

RZSS chief executive Barbara Smith said: “The project has helped engage children in every corner of Scotland, bringing them closer to nature and teaching them about the biodiversity on their doorsteps.

“We hope the project continues to create a lifelong appreciation of wildlife within all the schools we visited.”

More than 55,000 children across Scotland have already benefited from the campaign.

The RZSS was set up in 1909 and runs Edinburgh Zoo, together with the Highland Wildlife Park.

The latter, at Kincraig, is a key supporter of world species protection, with its breeding programmes helping to secure a future Amur tigers and the Scottish wildcat.