{"id":451,"date":"2026-07-01T07:16:46","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T07:16:46","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erytron.com\/yza\/?page_id=451"},"modified":"2026-08-20T15:20:38","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T15:20:38","slug":"events-and-projects-page","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/erytron.com\/yza\/events-and-projects-page\/","title":{"rendered":"Events and Projects Page"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-451","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"events_and_projects_page_title":"Events and Projects","events_and_projects_page_subtitle":"Our Events and Projects","projects_section":{"projects_at_the_zoo":{"projects_at_the_zoo_title":"Zoo-Based Programs","projects_at_the_zoo_description":"YZA conducts a wide range of zoo-based programs at the National Zoological Gardens, providing members with valuable opportunities to learn about wildlife, biodiversity, conservation, and scientific research through practical and interactive experiences. \r\nAs a key educational program of YZA, member sessions are conducted every Sunday at the National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala. These sessions focus on five major taxonomic groups: birds, aquatic life, reptiles, mammals, and butterflies. The aim of these sessions is to provide members with knowledge about species identification, ecology, behaviour, conservation status, and the importance of protecting Sri Lanka's rich biodiversity. These regular learning sessions help members develop a strong foundation in zoology and wildlife conservation. \r\nFor members with special interests, Wildlife Art and Wildlife Photography sessions are conducted every Sunday morning. These programs encourage participants to express their appreciation for nature through creative and visual media while improving their artistic and photographic skills. The sessions also promote ethical wildlife observation and responsible nature photography.  \r\nYZA also encourages members to engage in wildlife and zoological research activities, animal enrichment programs, and shramadana programs in collaboration with the Department of National Zoological Gardens. Through research projects, observations, data collection, and scientific studies, members gain practical experience in wildlife research and conservation. Animal enrichment programs are conducted to support the improvement of enclosure environments and enhance the physical and behavioural well-being of animals under human care. Shramadana programmes provide opportunities for members to contribute towards maintaining and improving zoo facilities and habitats while.\r\nIn addition, YZA plays an active role in supporting the National Zoological Gardens during special celebrations and public events, including the Zoo Anniversary, Children's Day celebrations, wildlife and environment-related events, educational exhibitions, and other programs conducted by the zoo."},"projects_at_the_field":{"projects_at_the_field_title":"Field-Based Projects","projects_at_the_field_description":"The Young Zoologists\u2019 Association of Sri Lanka extends its conservation efforts beyond the boundaries of the National Zoological Gardens, actively engaging in a variety of field-based projects across Sri Lanka. \r\nYZA conducts research programs in wetlands, forests, Protected areas, and other important environmental areas with the permission and guidance of relevant authorities. The association also carries out biodiversity surveys upon special requests from government institutions and conservation organizations, contributing valuable information for the understanding and protection of Sri Lanka\u2019s biodiversity. \r\nIn addition to research activities, YZA actively supports practical conservation initiatives such as tree planting programmes, ecological restoration activities, and habitat improvement projects. The association conducts volunteer-based shramadhana programmes and environmental cleaning activities in important natural areas, including garbage cleaning initiatives at Yala National Park and Sri Pada (Peak Wilderness Sanctuary) to reduce human impacts on sensitive ecosystems. \r\nYZA also contributes to the management and protection of protected areas by supporting trail maintenance activities, including conservation work carried out at Horton Plains National Park. These activities help maintain nature trails while promoting responsible visitation and protecting fragile habitats. \r\nFurthermore, YZA organizes field visits, workshops, and hands-on learning programmes for its members to enhance their knowledge and skills in biodiversity, wildlife conservation, research methods, and environmental management through direct field experiences. Through these initiatives, YZA continues to promote conservation through education while actively contributing to the protection of Sri Lanka\u2019s natural ecosystems."},"event_programs":{"event_programs_title":"Events","event_programs_description":"The Young Zoologists\u2019 Association conducts several annual flagship events that promote wildlife conservation, environmental education, and public awareness. Among these, the Public Relations and Education Day is a special initiative where YZA invites school students to participate in educational programs focused on wildlife and conservation. Through a variety of activities including awareness lectures, educational zoo guides, interactive activities, and knowledge-sharing sessions, YZA provides students with opportunities to learn about biodiversity and the importance of protecting nature.\r\nYZA also organizes its annual wildlife photography and art exhibition, \u201cKin Wild\u201d and \u201cYoung Eye on Nature,\u201d which combines photography and artwork to showcase the creativity and talents of YZA members while promoting appreciation and awareness of Sri Lanka\u2019s wildlife and natural heritage.\r\nIn addition, YZA conducts an annual press conference to highlight important environmental concerns and bring attention to current conservation challenges. Through this platform, YZA aims to encourage public dialogue, increase awareness on environmental issues, and promote collective action towards protecting Sri Lanka\u2019s biodiversity. \r\nApart from conservation and educational programs, YZA also organizes social and recreational events such as the Annual Cricket Match and Members\u2019 Day to strengthen the bond among members. These events provide opportunities for members to relax, interact, develop teamwork, and build a stronger sense of unity while fostering a positive and supportive environment within the association. \r\nThe YZA not only contributes significantly to environmental conservation but also actively engages in social responsibility initiatives, including organizing blood donation programs and providing essential support and relief during times of disaster, demonstrating its commitment to both nature and community well-being"},"awareness_projects":{"awareness_projects_title":"Awareness Programs","awareness_projects_description":"The Young Zoologists\u2019 Association conducts a wide range of awareness programs targeting students and the general public to promote wildlife conservation and environmental protection. YZA organizes educational guide sessions at the National Zoological Gardens, Dehiwala, as well as at important wetland ecosystems such as Beddagana Wetland Park, Diyasaru Park, and Attidiya Sanctuary, providing visitors with knowledge on biodiversity, wildlife, and the importance of conserving natural habitats.\r\nYZA also conducts school awareness lecture series by visiting schools upon special requests, providing students with valuable information on wildlife, biodiversity, and environmental conservation. In addition, awareness lectures are conducted for zoo visitors upon request to enhance public understanding of animals, conservation challenges, and responsible interactions with nature.\r\nThrough these awareness initiatives, YZA focuses on reaching communities and audiences, encouraging greater appreciation, responsibility, and active participation in protecting Sri Lanka\u2019s natural heritage"}},"in_sponsorship":{"partnership_name":"Sponsorships","sponsorship_description":"YZA conducts its conservation and educational initiatives with the valuable support of sponsors and partners. Alliance Finance Company PLC supports YZA\u2019s school awareness programs, helping to expand environmental education and conservation awareness among students.  DIMO Lanka provides support for the annual Public Relations and Education Day, contributing towards the successful implementation of this special educational event for school students. In addition, Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company and Theme Collection support the Annual Citizen Scientists\u2019 Symposium, enabling YZA to organize this academic platform for young researchers, citizen scientists, and conservation enthusiasts. The Young Zoologists' Association welcomes partnerships and sponsorships from organizations and individuals who share its commitment to biodiversity conservation and environmental education. Sponsorship support contributes towards research projects, educational programs, publications, awareness campaigns, conservation initiatives, community outreach activities, and youth development programs. Through sponsorship partnerships, organizations can actively contribute to environmental stewardship while supporting the next generation of conservation leaders in Sri Lanka.","sponsors":[{"sponsorship_name":"Alliance Finance Company PLC"},{"sponsorship_name":"DIMO Lanka"},{"sponsorship_name":"Dilmah Ceylon Tea"}]},"collaborative_and_partnership":{"collaborative_and_partnership_title":"Collaborative and Partnership ","collaborative_and_partnership_description":"The association's work is directed at a wide spectrum of stakeholders, but young people and students remain the primary audience. Most of its public outreach projects are carried out in collaboration with government authorities such as the Department of National Zoological Gardens, the Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Department of Forest  Conservation, and the Central Environmental Authority (CEA), as well as with NGOs and private sector institutions."}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/erytron.com\/yza\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/451","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/erytron.com\/yza\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/erytron.com\/yza\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erytron.com\/yza\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erytron.com\/yza\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=451"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/erytron.com\/yza\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/451\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":633,"href":"https:\/\/erytron.com\/yza\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/451\/revisions\/633"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/erytron.com\/yza\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=451"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}