Orangutans and otters have been seen playing together at the Pairi Daiza zoo, in Belgium. The otters live in the same area as the orangutans and like to get out of the water to keep the great apes entertained.
“It makes life fun for both species,” said Mathieu Goedefroy, who works at the zoo.
This PDF resource includes this article, as well as accompanying activity ideas:
- Discuss whether we still need zoos when we have nature documentaries, and animals are obviously far happier in their natural habitats. Alternatively, are zoos still essential for breeding programmes, rescuing animals and education?
- Write a funny or serious conversation between the orangutan and the otters as a scene in a stage play.
- Write a fact file about either species, with information on their natural habitat, diet, behaviour and any threats they face.
- Write a recount of the last time you went to a zoo, farm or other venue which featured live animals.
Find the entire series of Topical Tuesday resources to download here.
What is The Week Junior?
The Week Junior magazine looks at current affairs and helps children make sense of the world, provides context and clarity to complex issues, improves general knowledge and encourages discussion and debate.
To find out more about The Week Junior and to download its free resources, please go to schools.theweekjunior.co.uk.