As part of its continued commitment to education, Nature Trust once again offered nature related activities this summer as part of its awareness programmes.

In collaboration with the Education Department’s Skolasajf office, Nature Trust visited 19 centres and met with hundreds of students for role-playing activities on animal awareness and wildlife issues. Furthermore, many students visited Wied Ghollieqa Nature Reserve to take part in nature related treasure hunts, outside games on the importance of habitats and the variety of species as well as activities held in the education centre on the problems of captive animals such as dolphins, and the threats caused by loss of natural habitats.

Over 300 Skolasajf sudents signed a declaration against animal cruelty and exploitation as happens regularly in establishments importing exotic animals or capturing local wild species for use in the entertainment business or the booming pet trade.

Nature Trust also appeals to the public to refrain from collecting or disturbing wild animals (most of which are protected by law) and to think twice before supporting businesses which cause animal cruelty either through the excuse of education, such as dolphinariums, or for making profits from the sale of animals which are not suitable as pets and which are often caught from the wild ending their lives in cages, or more often, die in cramped conditions before even arriving to their destination. Nature Trust also asks the public to consider choosing the adoption of stray cats and dogs rather than exotic animals.

For more information on the scheme please contact: Annalise Falzon, Environmental Educator for Nature Trust Malta Tel: 79472950.