The Young Zoologists’ Association of Sri Lanka (YZA) will celebrate its Golden Jubilee in November,2022.
The Young Zoologists’ Association of Sri Lanka (YZA) is a non-governmental, non-profit, voluntary youth organisation based at the National Zoological Gardens at Dehiwala. The core value of the organization is to protect and conserve the environment by making a conscious effort in educating the community in Sri Lanka. Conservation of nature and wildlife through awareness programs has always been a priority.
YZA conducts educational programs every Sunday. Every member participates in one of the main groups of study; Aquatic Life, Birds, Butterfly, Flora, Mammals, and Reptiles. Structured courses are conducted for the membership and examinations are held annually to ascertain effectiveness.
The members get the opportunity to study in supplementary classes in Wildlife Photography and Wildlife Art. The newly formed Amphibians Group has become popular among the YZA members as well.
Apart from these, YZA conducts general lectures, workshops, seminars and they have published publications in both Sinhala and English mediums including the international journal “Sri Lanka Naturalist”.
Recently the YZA members went on a field trip to ‘The Anawilundawa International Ramsar’ Wetland to get a better understanding of the various birds in that area under the mentorship of H.D.C. Soysa, senior instructor of YZA bird group, Charith Madushan and Charindri Paranavithana the instructors of the Association’s butterfly group, and senior member Gayan Cooray.
The field visit was indeed a wonderful opportunity to put into practice what the Young members have learned in the classroom.
A series of events will be held throughout the year to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of YZA. Those interested can visit the YZA website and its social media sites.
