The Discovery Zone in the Green Connection is the first of its kind in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. This is where kids get to handle some live marine creatures, and learn some fascinating stuff about them. Kids love animals, they have books, cartoons and their stuff toys. But nothing beats the real thing.
It is one thing to watch the marine life in an aquarium display, but a total new experience to be able to handle them and feel their texture in your hands. Initially, my princess wasn’t going to touch any of the horseshoe crab or starfish until she saw any girl touching them. If children only know about marine life from story books, they tend to think that everything is either soft and cuddly or slimy and wet. Then they discover that while the creature may look wet, they also have the texture and feel of a rock. Once they realize that, they want to get their hands on all kinds of marine life, including the baby bamboo shark.
- A baby Bamboo Shark
In their own words
Who would have thought that baby crocodiles are cute, in the words of a four year old? Or that the way the sea snakes move in the water is like a dance, both fascinating and creepy? How is it that horseshoe crabs have ten eyes, which are not eyes? Are those flowers in the water? It’s ….. Nemo!
- Every kid knows Nemo
It’s dark and I’m scared, will the sharks eat me? I don’t want to go near the snakes.
What they learn
The most poisonous snake in the world are sea snakes, but they are very shy and if you ever encounter one in the water, you should be alright if you just get out of their way.
- Photo taken by my 4yr old princess
In order to take good photos, you have go right up to the creatures. And sometimes, you have to handle them. But before you do that, make sure that it is safe to handle them.
- You get to handle a horseshoe crab
Did you know know that if you break off a leg from a starfish, it grows a new one? And the broken of leg grows into another starfish? Correct me if I am wrong, that was what I heard or thought I heard. I wonder if the six-legged starfish we saw was an oddity. Shouldn't starfish have 5?
- Visitors to the Green Connection
Lessons for Adults
We got to learn this stuff because kids will ask all sorts of questions. And they ask weeks after you have been there, and they end up correcting you when you misrepresent the facts. More importantly, tell them about conservation and why marine life and other wildlife needs protection. Show them how we can make a difference.
The Green Connection is an aquarium, eco-theme park, discovery and science centre. It is also a conservation effort to educate the public and to lead in the protection of the coral reefs, marine life and
wildlife habitats in Borneo.
If you have enjoyed this article, please visit the Green Connection and tell your friends about it. Spread the word, blog about it, or volunteer your time. For the businesses in Sabah who wants to get involved or show your support, get in touch with Prof Steve Oakley.
Great site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to some friends!
Am considering to visit Tawau and came across your blog. Very well done and informative! Thank you for sharing!
By the way, a starfish can only grow new tentacles if the middle piece is intact. So if it drops a tentacle, that would probably just dry up. Will definitely visit Sabah soon!
@ Xen, thanks for the kind words. If you do visit Tawau, try and visit Semporna as well. Go to the Mabul Cafe in the evening to chill.