Protecting Animals

December 01, 2025

Avin Sharma
Class 8, American Eduglobal School, Ghaziabad

Animals help in supporting the natural environment and keeping it balanced. Animals like bees help with pollination, while creatures like peacocks and tigers are part of our cultural heritage. I think it is our responsibility to preserve animals’ habitats and create spaces that are animal-friendly. We can also support conservation initiatives by volunteering and donating. If we see stray animals, we can help by relocating them to safe animal shelters. Additionally, we can work towards helping them get vaccinated. We should also try to keep animals such as cows away from plastics. We should be sensitive to our surroundings and notify authorities if we see animals in need of help.

Yashwe Taparia
Class 7, Basil Woods School, Hyderabad

Humans often change the environment for their comfort. Sadly, animals find it difficult to adapt to these changes. Even tiny creatures that are over looked, such as the dung beetle, improve soil fertility, showing how creatures that might seem insignificant can have a great impact. To care for animals, we can create a network that allows people to quickly connect with each other if they come across an animal that needs help or a home. I came across an organisation in Rajasthan that rescues cows and it amazed me! I think we can also plant more trees and reserve some forest areas so that with urban development, even animals are protected. Earlier this year, people protested against the felling of trees in the Kancha Gachibowli forest in Hyderabad, showing their love for nature. We should also avoid the use of excessive chemicals and pesticides, as these affect animals.

Ava Skye Antia
Class 6, Bombay International School, Mumbai

I have been involved with two Mumbai organisations that care for animals— the Terra Anima Trust for Animal Welfare in Byculla and the Youth Organization in Defense of Animals (YODA) in Khar. My friends and I organised two engaging storytelling sessions for children in my neighbour hood. Instead of accepting a payment for these sessions, we invited people to contribute household items such as floor cleaners, old towels, dishwash bars and uncooked rice, which we donated to Terra Anima Trust for Animal Welfare. Additionally, I was part of an event where I made products such as animal stickers and art designs. I sold these items and contributed the proceeds to the same organisation. To enhance my understanding of community animals, I interviewed Ritu Saluja, an animal rights supporter. I have written articles to raise awareness about animals, one of which was featured in my building’s newsletter. I believe we should be more sensitive towards animals. Wild animals can be kept in sanctuaries. Though some people believe sanctuaries are not ideal, I feel they provide animals with good care.

Aahaan Bhojani
Class 6, Kanakia International School, Mumbai

Just like humans, I believe animals deserve care and importance. They play a crucial role in nature, especially in the food chain. Even if the population of any particular species within the food chain declines, it will affect the whole food chain. So, to safeguard nature’s balance, we should be careful and responsible towards both wild and domesticated animals. Animals such as goats, cows and sheep provide us with basic, useful items. Animals like dogs, cats and horses provide us with comfort, companionship and security. Wild animals should have the freedom to live in their natural environment. Activities like poaching and hunting should be banned. If we act responsibly, we can create a world where animals and humans live in harmony.

Dhruv Kapadia
Class 5, Finland International School, Mumbai

I think we need to be patient and caring towards animals. I want to start an initiative that encourages every school to adopt a stray animal. This would not only help rescue animals, but also help children engage with them. Spending time with animals will help children feel less anxious and more relaxed. Playing with and even reading to animals like dogs will help them de-stress and become confident. I would like to start this initiative in my neighbourhood and gradually extend it. We can also set up feeding spots for animals and birds in our neighbourhood. I have two dogs and two cats at home and whenever I’m sad, they always cheer me up. I want to help people understand the importance of being kind to animals and how their love and affection can heal us.

DID YOU KNOW?
In Denmark, students are taught empathy and are encouraged to help each other in schools. Students have sessions where they bond and share their problems with each other. Along with being empathetic towards humans, this behaviour also extends to animals.

ROBIN RECOMMENDS
We recently came across this beautifully illustrated book that teaches children how to protect and respect animals in the wild. It’s a must-read to develop empathy for wildlife.

SOFIE’S GREAT WILDLIFE ADVENTURE
Written By: Farah Siddiqui Khan
Illustrated By: Sucharita Sengupta Suri

‘Sofie’s Great Wildlife Adventure’ is a delightful book that describes the experience of a girl who is about to visit a jungle for the first time. As she speaks to her mother, she understands the importance of animals, the need to protect their homes and how to be gentle around them. Through this book, children learn to value animals’ role in and relationship with nature.

Published By: Elephant Family Foundation India; www.elephantfamily.in