The School of Animal, Plant and Enviromental Science hosted their annual Yebo Gogga event which was aimed at educating people about the importance of conservation as well protecting plant and animal life.
The Wits School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Science (APES) celebrated their 100 year anniversary by hosting the annual Yebo Gogga event from May 10 to 14 in the Oppenheimer Life Sciences building.
Yebo Gogga is a hands-on experience for visitors who learn about biodiversity conservation through by getting up close and personal with slithery, creepy creatures and curious plants. APES hosts the event with external conservation organisations.
“The stations have interactive stuff which draws attendance. Everything has a touch, a smell, hearing and vision. By being here you get to feel and understand why conservation is important” said Sipho Matjebe, a 3rd year BSc Zoology student.
The event catered for environmental enthusiasts, children and students. The numerous stations at the event offered various physical and mentally stimulating activities from learning about dinosaur palaeontology, medical history, the fossil history of South Africa, plant life and scientific experiments. The opportunity to physically interact with live reptiles and insects drew a lot of interest from the audience.
“It contextualises our place on the planet. It highlights that we are still part of nature and we should connect with our environment,” said Viktor Radermacher, a dinosaur palaeontology honours student who also presented the work he has done on evolution history.
The event exposed people to the importance of understanding the vulnerability of plant life and animals.
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