Chennai – The Wildside

The “Chennai – The Wildside” programme recently transformed our understanding of the city, turning its busy streets and concrete spaces into a fascinating learning ground for middle school students. Participants from Grades 6, 7, and 8 were encouraged to look beyond the usual sights of traffic and tall buildings to discover the rich ecosystem thriving quietly around them. The session helped students realise that Chennai is not just a metropolitan hub, but also home to diverse birdlife, small mammals, and countless other urban species.

The highlight of the programme was an engaging talk by Ms. Krithi Muruganantham, who shared insights from her work with the Forest Department. Through real-life examples, she explained how wildlife conservation operates in urban spaces and the role officials play in protecting native species. Her stories offered students a glimpse into the challenges and rewards of safeguarding wildlife in a rapidly growing city.

Adding another dimension to the session, Mr. Dinesh Baba from ROA Shelter spoke passionately about animal rescue and rehabilitation. He described the process of caring for injured animals and explained how rescuers safely handle distressed or aggressive creatures. His practical experiences gave students a deeper appreciation for the dedication required in animal welfare work.

More than just an informative talk, the programme served as a call to action. It inspired students to view their surroundings with greater awareness and empathy. By the end of the session, they understood that protecting Chennai’s urban wildlife is a shared responsibility. The event left everyone motivated to contribute towards creating a city where humans and wildlife can coexist in harmony.