Last week, we carried out 2 out-of-school workshops for children at the crannog camp near Draga (Ig). We presented beaver and otter and compared the two mammals, rodent, and carnivore, and presented the differences in their ecological needs and lifestyle. The pupils also learned of the history of beaver in Slovenia and Europe and its return from the brink of extinction. We had stuffed animals with us (all killed as the result of traffic), skulls, excrements, footprints as well as castoreum liquid which they could smell from a sample in a vile. Castoreum was used in the past as a highly renowned compound in traditional medicine for various ailments. What was not possible to present »live«, was presented through detailed drawings and photographs.
We discussed why beavers are beneficial for the environment as well as for humans.
Workshops were followed by different games on the subject of nature.
Lutra Institute carries out such and similar workshops for children as well as adults – if you wish to receive more information and are interested in organizing such an event in your local area or school, you can e-mail us at info@lutra.si.
