Jungle kindred in town

Wildlife paintings and sketches are a unique way to convey the message of conservation. To achieve this objective the Young Zoologists' Association (YZA) has organised an exhibition on wildlife art; KinWild 2007. This event is being organised annually and KinWild 2007 is the 14th Annual exhibition.

YZA is the only institute in Sri Lanka that trains artists on wildlife art. Unlike the other forms of art, a wildlife artist should master the features of the animal or plant that is been drawn.

The members of YZA are blessed with this advantage as they have the field knowledge of the features of the animals and plants. The society which is based at the Dehiwala Zoo conducts its Arts Group every Sunday morning. The KinWild 2007 will be a testimony to the talents of the budding Wildlife Artists.

KinWild 2007 will be held at the Harold Peries Gallery of the Lionel Wendt from 06-09 December 2007. The opening ceremony will be on 6th December from 5.00 p.m.-6.00 p.m. The chief guest will be the eminent wildlife artist Dr. Prithviraj Fernando.

The Young Zoologists' Association

YZA was established in 1976 by the eminent conservationist Lyn de Alwis who was then the Director of the Zoological Gardens. The society operates within the Zoological Garden premises and meets on every Sunday.

Five study groups Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, Flora and Aquatic Fauna provide knowledge to the members who believe in Conservation through Education. YZA has been the first school for many, who are in key positions in the field of conservation.