16th - 17th May 2026 (Sat & Sun)
Experiences to look forward to
- Junior Animal Keeper Training
- Safely handle reptiles like tortoises, geckos, and pythons under expert supervision.
- Learn to read animal body language and identify signs of stress.
- Master safe handling postures and hygiene practices that protect both animals and humans.
- Enclosure & Enrichment
- Get hands-on with enclosure cleaning: removing waste, replacing bedding, and freshening water bowls.
- Discover the needs of different animal homes like arboreal, terrestrial, aquatic and why it matters.
- Design simple enrichment items to stimulate animal minds and senses (like puzzle feeders or scent trails!).
- Animal Feeding Sessions
- Prepare food bowls by chopping veggies, sorting grains, and measuring portions as per species.
- Understand the difference between herbivore and carnivore diets and their feeding behaviours.
- Observe animals during mealtime and take notes on who eats what, how fast, and how they behave.
- Observation & Logging
- Maintain a logbook to record behaviours, feeding patterns, and enclosure conditions.
- Learn how keepers spot signs of illness or discomfort early.
- Get introduced to key zookeeping terms like basking, grooming, moulting, and more!
Program Team
The program will be conducted by Priyanka Swamy, Shreyas S, and Akshay L, a team of researchers and educators associated with the Kalinga Foundation.
Priyanka Swamy, a PhD scholar working on Malabar pit vipers, brings extensive experience in reptile ecology, phylogeography, and environmental outreach.
Shreyas S, Education Officer at Kalinga Foundation, combines environmental engineering expertise with field research and environmental education.
Akshay L, a Research Associate at the foundation, focuses on reptile research in the Western Ghats, particularly the Malabar pit viper, with prior experience working with leading reptile research institutions.
Together, they bring strong experience in field research, conservation science, and environmental education, making the workshop an engaging and great learning experience.
Venue: Birds of Paradise
📍 Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wDnD7cGwAZpyj4S68https://maps.google.com/?q=Chiguru+Farm+Kanakapura
With :
- Accommodation on a sharing basis.
- Organic Vegetarian meals, snacks, and beverages on both days
- Stationery and program materials
- Program charges
Excludes :
- Personal expenses
- GST @18%
- Travel to the venue
