Something wonderful is happening at the Indira Gandhi Zoological Park in Visakhapatnam this January, where children are getting the opportunity of a lifetime to step into the shoes of real zookeepers and wildlife caretakers.

The zoo's innovative four-day Winter Camp, running from January 8 to 11, is transforming curious young minds into budding conservationists through immersive, hands-on experiences that most visitors never get to see. In a thoughtful gesture, the zoo has kept registrations open even after the camp began, ensuring that more children can join this enriching adventure midway through the program.

"We wanted to create something that goes beyond casual observation," explains G Mangamma, curator of IGZP. "This camp is about experiencing the heart of what we do here and understanding why wildlife conservation matters."

The program has been carefully designed to spark curiosity and foster genuine connections with animals. Children are getting unprecedented access to areas typically closed to the public, including animal enclosures, service areas, and specialized facilities that keep the zoo running smoothly.

The adventure kicked off with an exciting treasure hunt across the zoo grounds, immediately engaging participants in active exploration. What followed was even more thrilling: a hippo feeding session where children watched these magnificent creatures up close and learned directly from the animal keepers who care for them daily.

The second day introduces an unexpectedly fascinating topic that captures children's natural curiosity. Through a session playfully called "zoo poo," young participants discover how animal droppings tell important stories about diet, health, and natural habitats. The interactive activity of matching droppings to different animals turns what might seem mundane into an engaging detective game with real scientific value.

Throughout the camp, keeper-led sessions about peacocks and giraffes help children understand familiar species in completely new ways. The crown jewel of the experience is a behind-the-scenes tour of the Zoo Veterinary Hospital and the animal kitchen, where participants witness the remarkable coordination and care that goes into running a professional zoological facility.

These experiences aren't just educational—they're transformative. Children are learning that conservation isn't an abstract concept but a daily practice carried out by dedicated professionals who genuinely care for each animal under their watch.

The camp also includes quieter, reflective moments. Storytelling sessions and art activities give children space to process their experiences and express what they've learned creatively. These moments help solidify the connections they're making with wildlife and nature.

For just 600 rupees, each participant receives incredible value: a participation certificate, an animal-themed T-shirt to commemorate their adventure, a zoo passport card offering 10 free return visits, and specially prepared educational materials. The camp runs from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, making it perfectly manageable for families.

Parents interested in giving their children this unforgettable experience can reach out to the assistant curator at 9491569344 or the zoo education officer at 7893632900.

This winter camp represents something truly special: a chance for children to see themselves not just as visitors to nature, but as future stewards of our planet's incredible wildlife.