2 weeks Ago By Yunus Yussop
A couple of young visitors posing with the AnimEX 6.0 ‘mascots’. — Photo courtesy of UPM Bintulu Campus BINTULU (Nov 12): The Animal Exhibition (AnimEX 6.
0) programme has met its objective of bringing fauna closer to the local community. Recently held in conjunction with the 48th Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Convocation Session 1 at the campus here, this year’s programme emphasises on the important theme of bridging the gap between humans and animals in everyday life. AnimEX 6.
0 was facilitated by Mohammad Saufi Mohammad Ramli and Roslan Ismail. According to Mohammad Saufi, the programme was based on the protection and preservation of animals through the concept of ‘Farm and Pet Care Education’. “AnimEX aims to raise public awareness, at various age levels, of the importance of protecting and loving animals and hopefully, it would reduce the number of cases of cruelty and mistreatment against animals,” he said in a statement.
Among the activities held were a ‘Human and Animal Talk’ session by Muhammad Abdul Rahim Habib, an ‘AnimEx Vaccination Programme’ conducted by Dr Siti Nurhani Arib, animal ‘face-painting’, and also a host of educational fun games. The highlight, however, was the ‘AnimEx Explorace’ – a storytelling and colouring contest, which received a very enthusiastic participation, especially from children aged six to 12 years old. “These activities not only encourage learning, but also strengthen family bonds and enhance the knowledge among the visitors,” said Mohammad Saufi.
The children showcase their creativity during one of the educational games held at AnimEX 6.0 in UPM Bintulu Campus. — Photo courtesy of UPM Bintulu Campus Meanwhile, Roslan said the livestock exhibition provided an opportunity for visitors, especially children and teenagers, to interact directly with the animals.
“This exposure is of great benefit as these youngsters not only learn the theory about animals, but also get to see and touch the animals directly, an educational experience based on the ‘hands-on’ approach.” Roslan added that the programme also provided students with the opportunity to enhance their interpersonal skills, such as a sense of responsibility and empathy, as caring for animals would require continuous care and attention..
