Sunday Times 2
Talking mammals with Dr. Miththapala
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Enthusiastic young audience
Dr. Sriyanie Miththapala chatted with children about ‘The Mammals of Sri Lanka,’ on Saturday, December 7, at the Barefoot Gallery. There were two sessions: the first for children aged 5-7; and the second for children aged 8-12.
Dr. Sriyanie Miththapala
The chats centred on the mammals of our country: the biggest and smallest found here — the blue whale and the pygmy shrew, respectively; how mammals move and what they eat. The chats included a section on strange mammals — such as the pangolin and porcupine. The penultimate section was on the threats facing mammals and what each one of them could do to help protect mammals in Sri Lanka. For the older age group, the session was more detailed.
This event was supported by both Barefoot Bookshop and the Wildlife Nature Protection Society. The children had some interesting feedback to provide. Responding to the question of the most important thing she had learnt and what lesson she would pass on to family and friends, Ruwanya, 11 said she learned that using polythene and plastic and dumping them everywhere damages the environment, a point echoed by many others while Bavin, 9, said it was not to touch feral animals.
Dr. Miththapala believes strongly that children, taught young, can be powerful ambassadors for conservation. Her latest book ‘Mammals of Sri Lanka for Children,’ is available through the Facebook page Mammals of Sri Lanka for Children and mammalsofsrilankaforchildren@gmail.com