The blistering heat has not spared animals in their enclosures inside Arignar Anna Zoological Park in Vandalur. But, it was no deterrent to seven-year-old R. Mohan, who was visiting a zoo for the first time in his life. On Sunday, he screamed in excitement at the sight of hippopotamus soaking in the cool waters of the pond inside their enclosure.
Mohan was among a few thousand children from more than 80 Homes and schools in and around Chennai who visited the zoo as part of Chennai Food Bank’s ‘Apna Bana Lo Child in the Wild,’ a project of Rajasthan Youth Association Madras Metro Trust.
The event left the children overjoyed. G.P. Rankha, founder, Chennai Food Bank, said: “The Food Bank was started in 1993 and the event marks the 23{+r}{+d}anniversary. In 1993, we used to donate grains to 13 charitable institutions to help provide a square meal to the residents. Today, we are supporting more than 50 institutions, helping around 15,000 residents. We donate 10,000 kilograms of grains every month.”
R. Sri Ram of Sathya Sai Institute of Educare, Nemilichery, Chromepet, said: “The trip was entertaining and educational. I loved the Butterfly Park and the shark-modelled aquarium in the zoo the most. I was fascinated to see many freshwater fishes.”
The children were given snacks and refreshments as they went around the zoo in battery-operated cars and played games.
They were also treated to a sumptuous lunch.
