JSK Go Wild at the Bronx Zoo: A Day of Learning and Adventure

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JSK News Staff

On Thursday, April 27th, students from JSK had the unique opportunity to visit the Bronx Zoo, thanks to the diligent planning of their teacher, Ms. Hunkele. The excursion was orchestrated as part of the school’s ongoing commitment to providing students with enriching and educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom setting. The students were granted the chance to explore the diverse animal kingdom, fostering a deep appreciation for the wonders of wildlife. JSK is committed to giving its students a well-rounded education that includes more than just classroom learning. The outing helped the students learn and grow in other ways.

Upon arriving at the zoo, the school was divided into groups, each led by a teacher, and embarked on a comprehensive tour of the entire facility. Throughout the day, the students had the opportunity to observe a diverse array of animals, ranging from majestic animals such as peacocks to flamingos & many more. 

Despite being separated into different groups, the students frequently ran into each other as they traversed the zoo, which helped foster a sense of togetherness and belonging among the classmates. In addition to observing and learning about the animals, the students also captured stunning photographs of the various species, creating lasting memories of their unforgettable excursion.

As the students traversed the sprawling zoo,  they intermittently paused to savor the scrumptious lunches they had packed for the excursion. In addition to enjoying the animals and their habitats, the students also perused the souvenir shops located within the zoo. They also took the opportunity to take group photos and selfies to commemorate the day.

All of the teachers were filled with pride for their students and their exemplary behavior throughout the experience.

The school trip to the Bronx Zoo was a huge success, and it was a testament to the hard work and dedication of Ms. Hunkele and the school staff. The students had a great time, and they learned a lot about animals and their habitats. It was an experience that they will never forget.

Overall, the trip to the Bronx Zoo was an excellent opportunity for the students to expand their knowledge of the natural world, appreciate the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom, and have fun with their classmates. The trip was a fun and enlightening experience that will undoubtedly stay with them for years to come.

Ms. Hunkele aspires that the trip will inspire the students to pursue further education about animals and the environment and that they will continue to develop a passion for exploration and discovery.

See some feedback from the JSK team-

How did the trip compare to your expectations? “The trip was great, it helped workout because we walked a lot, for almost 3 hours plus we got to see many animals and how they adapt to their home.” – Darla D.

What was the most memorable moment of the trip for you? “I got to see how the lion gets up. It was  interesting because I got to see how they run their habitat and everyday life.” – Ryan N. 

Do you think the trip was educational? “I think it was, we got to see how the animals live and what they need in order to survive. We also learnt some new facts about them” – Sarah T.

What did you hope the students would gain from the experience? “A better understanding of the animals that live there & will appreciate them more when they see them away from the zoo.” – Mr. C.

Do you think the trip was a success? Why or why not? ” I had a great time on the trip. It was fun to spend time with students outside of school and observe different animals. My favorite was the painted dog – I had never seen one of those up close!” –Ms. Hunkele. 

An unusual occurrence-

On Wednesday night, a peacock nicknamed “Raul” managed to escape from his enclosure at the Bronx’s Zoo and wandered around for several hours before he was captured. Unfortunately, Raul had committed a crime by attacking a nearby bystander who suffered a minor injury. According to eyewitnesses, Raul allegedly pecked at a man who was trying to catch and help him.

It remains unclear how Raul managed to escape, but Zoo officials confirmed that he was unharmed during his time on the loose. Despite the unexpected sighting of Raul, visitors to the Zoo seemed to enjoy seeing the peacock and took many photos and videos of him.

While it’s not common for a peacock to escape from the zoo, it’s important to remember that animals can be unpredictable and exhibit unexpected behavior. Fortunately, the situation was resolved without incident and Raul is now back safe and sound in his enclosure.

The Bronx Zoo was founded in 1899 in Manhattan’s Central Park and later moved to its current location in the Bronx. It is one of the largest metropolitan zoos in the world and is a leader in wildlife conservation and research. The zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from more than 650 species and attracts millions of visitors each year.