News
50 years of educating Lankan youth on nature and wildlife
View(s):By Malaka Rodrigo
The Young Zoologists’ Association celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend (October 22nd and 23rd) with its annual exhibition on wildlife arts and photography at the JDA Perera Gallery at Horton Place in Colombo 7.
The exhibition will have more than 200 creations by young members of the association. The wildlife arts section is named ‘Kin Wild’ and the wildlife photography section is named ‘Young Eye on Nature’. 
Kin Wild–a selection of wildlife paintings and sketches is probably the longest running wildlife arts exhibition in the country.
The YZA established the ‘wildlife arts’ group in 1989 to assist talented wildlife artists. The first exhibition in 1990 and since then it was held as an annual event.
With the advent of digital photography, many have become wildlife photographers, but the association grooms its members to be ‘responsible wildlife photographers’ who try not to disturb the environment while taking their photos.
The YZA also have their photography group at the Dehiwala Zoological Garden and ‘Young Eye on Nature’ showcases the talents of the young photographers.
Since 1972, the Young Zoologists’ Association (YZA) has been Sri Lanka’s pioneer youth organisation on environmental education.
It was set up by former Zoo Director and renowned conservationist Lyn de Alwis, who saw a need to promote an interest in the study and conservation of nature and wildlife among young people.
The society meets every Sunday afternoon and members study wildlife and nature according to five study groups namely, birds, mammals, reptiles, aquatic life and flora. The YZA also has a junior arm which meets on Saturday mornings at the Dehiwala Zoo. Children between the age of 6 and 12 can become members.
Wildlife art for a cause
The organisation has been the first school for many who excel in the field of environmental science and conservation, said current YZA President Hasantha Wijethunga.
“Anyone with an interest in wildlife and nature between the age of 13 and 35 can become a member of the YZA” said Mr.Wijethunga.
In line with its 50th anniversary, YZA also opened two new branches; one at Pinnawala and the other at Ridiyagama Safari Park.
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