Except for humans, all land animals walk on four feet. Marine mammals such as seals and dolphins can swim. Most birds fly but there are flightless birds too. Reptiles crawl while fish swim to move around. Insects have many ways of moving such as
walking and flying.
Some animals live in groups while others live alone. They select the most suitable habitat for
themselves.
Some insects build well organized cities. Animals can be divided as
carnivores, herbivores and omnivores according to the food they eat. Very often the male animals act as protectors. A mother’s life is not an easy one. Most mothers have to look after their young ones alone. But there are caring fathers such as coyotes and
penguins. Living together has its advantages. The little ones soon learn their skills and adjust to their lifestyles.
Nature has provided many adaptations for
animals to feed and
protect themselves. Survival of the fittest is the law of the jungle and always the stronger one wins over the weaker one. The animal world is the most wonderful
creation of nature. Saving animals and their
environment is our duty and responsibility.
A visit to the
Dehiwala Zoo
By Tania Weerasinghe (Grade 6),
Ave Maria Convent Branch School
It was a bright and sunny Wednesday morning. As the day was a public holiday, my father decided to take us to the zoo. Five of us, father, mother, my sister, Shanike ayya and myself, got into my father’s van and drove off. The time was 8.30 a.m.
Our first stop was Sasha grocery shop, to buy some items of food.
We reached the zoo at 11 in the
morning and bought five tickets for our group.
We first visited the fish aquarium and we saw clown fish, goldfish,
catfish and many other varieties of fish in various colours.
Our next stop was at the bird sanctuary where we saw parrots with coloured feathers, eagles and many other kinds of birds. It was a pleasing sight. We saw lions,
tigers, monkeys, chimpanzees,
gorillas, kangaroos, zebras and all types of snakes.
After a brief break for lunch, we were in the elephant park and saw big and small elephants performing like in a circus. We were sad to leave the zoo after having spent an
enjoyable day.
My hobby
By Rahul Chandrasekera
(8 years),
Lyceum Int. School, Wattala
My hobby is collecting stamps. I have been collecting stamps since 2009. It started with a gift from one of my friends. I received that gift on my sixth birthday which marks the beginning of my stamp
collection. I got the desire to collect stamps because there are beautiful pictures of many things in the world.
Leisure time is a precious time. I collect stamps during my leisure time by finding stamps from old letters of my father. I have already found stamps of medicinal plants, great leaders, famous places, rare birds and animals. I have about 2500 stamps collected in my albums.
This collection of stamps has given me a lot of knowledge of Environmental Studies, History and Geography. We can sell rare stamps for very high
prices. People can follow the hobby of stamp collecting
easily.
Chess
By Keneesha Perera (8 years),
Viharamahadevi B.V., Kiribathgoda
Chess is a very interesting indoor game. It is very popular among school children.
To play chess, we must have a chess board with 32 discs
and two players. When
playing this game we have to use our brain. To win the game we must checkmate the king of the opposite side.
I think this is a suitable game for all students. We learn to think fast. Our school takes part in inter-school tournament matches. My school has many good chess players. I am also in the pool. My ambition is to be a chess champion one day. That would be an honour to my school.
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