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Organization Number: 731509456 Organization Name: Little River Zoo Address: 3405 SE 120th Avenue Address: City: Norman State / Province: OK Zip / Post Code: 73026 Country: United States Phone: 1-405-366-7229 Ext: Fax: 1-405-366-6302 Organization Email: jszoo@sbcglobal.net Website Address: http://littleriverzoo.org Detailed Description: Adults and children are becoming increasingly fearful of violent crimes, bullying and general disrespect towards others in our schools and communities. We, as adults, ask ourselves what has happened to our children? What has happened to the good old days when kids respected their elders, did their chores and weren’t afraid of having senseless violent acts perpetrated against them in a normal day at school? We’ve all had the conversation, or at least, heard the conversation. Now there is a name to that lost education that we didn’t even know WE were getting when we grew up in that “old fashioned world.” It is a Humane Education, and it is at least, part of what is missing with our children today. Evidence clearly illustrates that early exposure of children to animals and nature significantly reduces sociopathic, violent behavior. Other extreme behaviors connected to this include child and animal abuse, not to mention just a general sense of kindness, compassion and respect for each other. A HUMANE EDUCATION AT THE LITTLE RIVER ZOO The Little River Zoo is a non-profit 501c3 organization that teaches children and all of us about being the best human being we can be through the lives of a number of animal residents who live at the zoo. While visiting the Little River Zoo, each visitor is taken on a journey through a wooded paradise to meet hundreds of animals – many who came from rescue situations, and some who did not. Each of these animals has a story to tell and a lesson to teach. The tour guide, or animal interpreter, relays the personal history of each animal to the guests, and shares some amazing and memorable facts about each animal and how it finds its way to survive in an otherwise harsh world. Then, the guide takes those amazing qualities – all of which are part of us as human beings – and reminds us of the importance of those same qualities in our own lives for us to become the best version of ourselves that we can be. This process develops empathy, the necessary and fundamental base to build on as we become conscious and intentional human beings. Through empathy, children can naturally learn to be kind and compassionate towards each other and all life on this amazing planet we share. So, although we have animals in the traditional sense like a zoo, it is a zoo like no other. It is not just about animals, but also about people and our connection with all life. The animals are the teachers to remind us of our own humanity. The venue, if you will, to teach a Humane Education. In 2005, the Little River Zoo staff taught nearly 35,000 children to foster their reverence, be respectful and act thoughtfully and responsibly towards not just their own pet, but all animals on the planet; not just their own friends, but to their neighbors; and finally, not just toward their own backyard, but towards nature everywhere. The principles of Humane Education are the key elements to helping children understand that every action they take and decision they make has a great impact on life everywhere. Humane Education demonstrates how all life is connected, and that children too, are part of something much bigger than just themselves. That, in fact, what they do has a huge affect to the greater whole. It simply and systematically, dispels the myth that what they do makes no difference in the world. The zoo offers K through 12 Humane Education curriculum to address animal and environmental issues, human and social rights issues and consumerism. The consumerism component help children to gain the tools necessary to understand that where they spend their dollars is making a statement of the values they believe in relation to how it affects life on the planet. For young children, where most of our current curriculum centers, our focus rests on providing children positive, connecting experiences with animals and nature to foster that sense of awe that naturally lives in us all. Outside of our educational programs, the zoo is a peaceful place where all visitors can come to relax, meet some amazing animals and spend some quality time with family and friends. Nearly 50,000 guests visited the zoo in 2005, and many shared with us that they have never visited any place like the Little River Zoo! That’s because there is no other place like the Little River Zoo! Come and see for yourself. We promise, it will be a place like no other! | |
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