More than 160 children who took part in the Foundation’s themed art competition about the life of animals at the Dehiwala Zoo attended this event, at which the best artistic renditions won cash prizes.
Nine children were rewarded with three first prizes of Rs 25,000 each, three second prizes of Rs 10,000 each and three third prizes of Rs 5,000 each at this event at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute.
Another nine children aged 5 to 10 years were similarly rewarded at the first Animal Defenders event.
“We believe that children are the key to a better future for animals.
It is therefore important that we foster from a young age, a culture where animal life is respected and appreciated,” said Ms Otara Gunewardene, founder and Director of the Otara Foundation.
“Treating animals with compassion comes instinctively to children, but as they grow up these values are likely to be lost due to societal pressures and other factors.
Events such as this allow us to reach out to our next generation when they are still impressionable and remind them of the importance of being a voice for the voiceless.”
As in the preceding event, the second ‘Animal Defenders’ Art Exhibition and prize giving also included short presentations from experts on topics such as ‘Human Animal Conflict’ and ‘Wonders of the Animal World’ as well as an interactive art workshop themed ‘Having fun with colour.’
The children also had the opportunity to have their photographs taken in front of a themed photo wall.
Pictured here are some of the highlights of the Otara Foundation’s second Animal Defenders event for children.