Most children have a natural connection with animals. They love to look at, touch and play with animals. That’s why the local zoo makes a great holiday destination.
However, parents must always give priority to safety when going to the zoo with kids. Here are some useful tips to keep children safe while visiting zoos.
Adhere to Zoo Safety Rules
The zoo is the home of many wild animals. They are kept in enclosures for their safety and that of zoo visitors. To maximize security, zoo safety rules are also clearly printed out in zoo brochures and signs placed strategically all over the place. In general, zoo visitors are not allowed to go near animal cages, put their hands into the cages or climb over animal enclosures. Adhere to these zoo safety rules at all times.
Avoid Feeding Zoo Animals
Teach children to avoid feeding zoo animals. The animals may bite and attack a child who is trying to feed them. Also, zoo animals are on special diets and should only be fed by zookeepers. Food elsewhere may contain ingredients that may make them sick.
Supervise Children at Zoo
Supervise children at the zoo at all times. Don’t let children run around on their own. This is particularly important if there is a big crowd at the zoo. Children may get separated easily from their parents if they are not watched closely. Parents may want to invest in some kind of children’s leash or strap to make sure they don’t wander off. Parents can also use a permanent marker to write down their mobile number on the kids’ arms so that zoo staff can contact the parents if they find a lost child.
Ensure Good Hygiene After Touching Animals
Some zoos also have open areas where visitors can go in and pet tamer animals. While this is often exciting for kids, direct contact with these animals can also spread harmful germs to the children.
To ensure good hygiene after touching the wildlife, teach the kids not to touch their own face, eyes, nose and mouth while petting the animals. Never allow little children to put pacifiers in their mouth while interacting with the creatures. Get the kids to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water after that. Know where the closest wash basins are even before letting the children go near the animals. A hand sanitizer will be very useful too.
Eat Only at Suitable Eating Areas
The worst thing a child can do is eating while playing with the animals. Parents should keep food and drinks out of animal areas. Wait to eat lunch or snacks until the family can find a suitable eating area, preferably one with a wash basin. Wash hands thoroughly before eating.
Going to the zoo with kids can be fun. However, parents need to be cautious and adhere to zoo safety rules posted. They should also teach children not feed zoo animals, supervise the children at all times, ensure the kids practice good hygiene after touching animals and eat only at suitable eating areas.
Found this article useful? Read also Going to the Theme Park with Kids, Going to the Beach with Kids and Going to the Ski Resort with Kids.
References:
Capital Health Website – Farm and Petting Zoo Field Trip Health and Safety Tips
KeepKidsHealthy Website – Petting Zoo Safety
Wei Yin Wong - I started my working life as a reporter at an English daily called The Sun in Malaysia 16 years ago, writing health-related articles. ...
