Some 15,000 children headed to 50 parks and zoos in Venezuela to start the 30th Ecological Games, which combine recreational activities with environmental education during two weeks of school vacation. The Games “allow children to explore flora, fauna, hydrography and relief maps, developing skills to participate in solving environmental problems,” said Vilealdo Medina, who headed the activities in the northern city of Maracay.

The governmental Institute of Parks covered the costs of previous years, some 100 dollars per participant, and increased the rolls from 3,500 to 15,000.

“It's fun to learn about animals, plants and rivers, and to make new friends,” nine-year-old participant Luis Omaña told Tierramérica.