<A Step Closer To Nature 7.0 - Farm in the City >
Thanks to all participants and members of International Song Tao Charity Foundation for participating in A Step Closer To Nature 7.0 event held on October 20, 2019. The event was held by International Song Tao Charity Foundation with the purpose of improving awareness and understanding on the ecosystem and the animals around us.
At 9 o'clock in the morning, everyone gathered in Farm in the City of Seri Kembangan, Selangor, Seri Kembangan, Selangor. The children and volunteers were split into three groups, and then led by the guide from Farm in the City to meet and learn about the animals in the Farm.
At the meeting point, the children were lining up to board the bus.
When crossing the road, the committee members helped to direct the vehicles in order for the children to cross the road safely.
Everyone took turns introducing themselves in the bus.
The children took the tickets and were split into three smaller groups, each group guided by a few committee members from the Foundation.
The children gathered with their team members while waiting for admission.
The guide was explaining the the Do’s and Don’ts to the participants before entering the Farm.
Farm in the City provides those who live in the city, be it an adult or a child, an opportunity to get closer with the nature and some animals commonly found in the countryside.
We can find various kinds of animals here, whereby majority of them are herbivores.
The children got to see some living poultry right before their eyes, some of which they might have not seen before.
What makes this place more interesting is that, apart from being able to see small animals at a close range, the children could also touch and feed some of the harmless animals. The staff from the Farm distributed some greens for the children to feed the animals.
The children are excited to feed this giant tortoise.
The participants also got to meet the world’s rarest tortoise in the Farm. It was really an eye-opening experience.
Crows and sparrows are the birds that we usually find in the city. Over here, not only can you find colourful birds, but you can also feel them and feed them with fruits.
Some of the animals are allowed to roam freely within their designated rest area.
The animals are gentle and not afraid of the visitors. They would even go close to the children and let the children touch them.
In addition to the animals, there are also a vast varieties of plants in the Farm, and many of them are the fruits and vegetables that we eat every day.
Catching “longkang” fish (tiny fishes in the drain) is a hobby for many children living in the countryside. This fun activity can also be experienced here.
It may be easy to forget about their own safety when the children are having fun. The committee members were looking after the children to keep them from falling into the water.
As the Chinese saying goes, "It is better walk a thousand miles than to read thousands of books." One can learn more from personal experience than from just reading.
The scorching sun did not reduce the enthusiasm of the children who are eager to learn.
The visitors may purchase more animal food from this food vending machine to feed the animals. Some of the food are designed specifically to feed certain animal, such as the racoon pellet.
The greedy raccoon could not wait to take the food from the children’s hands.
Snakes are generally dangerous and should be avoided. However, this snake has been domesticated and can be touched with the presence of the staff here.
After the visit, everyone went to the restaurant in the Farm to enjoy a delicious lunch.
Thanks to all members of International Song Tao Charity Foundation and volunteers for making this event a success. This trip is a precious opportunity for adults and children living in the city to get close to the nature. With the hectic life in the city, the animals that we come across most often are domestic or wild cats and dogs. The other animals may only be seen on television, online or in books. Family may also improve their bonding by visiting this Farm.
Human’s selfishness has led to the destruction of the ecological environment, and many animals are on the verge of extinction. We hope that all participants can experience the wonder of the nature and ecosystem through this event, and thus help to protect the environment. We also urge for more participants to join us in our activities in the future. In addition to visiting elderly homes and orphanages, we will organise more events to provide opportunities to get closer to the nature, so that we can escape from the concrete walls surrounding us and experience the comfort that nature brings us.
