Aquarium searches for kids with imagination
Lakes Aquarium, on Windermere’s southern shore near Newby Bridge, is celebrating the arrival of new baby Boa constrictors by creating a truly charming activity based around what is described as the most beloved story of children and adults alike.
The story of ‘The Little Prince’ written by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry in the 1940s has delighted generations thanks to its enigmatic way of conveying the true meaning of genuine friendship and unequivocal love.
The story relates to an aviator whose plane crashes in the desert, leading to him meeting The Little Prince and listening to his tales of other planets and his love for a rose. It is a nostalgic appeal for adults to search for their inner child and regain and appreciate the innocence of childhood.
The story begins with the Little Prince explaining how he drew an elephant inside a Boa constrictor having read how they swallow their prey whole. The adults lacked the imagination to see beyond a shape and thought it a hat. He then drew the elephant so that it was visible inside the Boa, but was urged to turn his attention to important things like geography and arithmetic.
Having just welcomed a litter of baby Boa constrictors to its Tropical Rainforest zone, Lakes Aquarium is capturing the essence of The Little Prince, by inviting parents and children alike to create their own boa-swallowing-something pictures.
Until May 16, all visitors will be able to use a template to create their drawing, with adults and children alike deciding what it is the Boa has swallowed. Pictures can be taken home, if families want to enjoy them, or entered into a competition to win a copy of The Little Prince.
Marketing manager, Cathy Burrows, says: “The Little Prince is one of the most widely translated books in the history of French literature and its messages are timeless, encouraging readers to use their hearts if they want their eyes to truly see.
“We want to fuel children’s imaginations and help adults re-visit their inner child, whilst also communicating a fabulous fact about Boas. Our talks team always bring facts about nature to life and our Boa constrictor drawing activity will be another way of doing this”.
Families wishing to recapture the innocence of childhood by taking part in the Boa drawing activity can visit Lakes Aquarium any day of the week. Tickets can be bought at a reduction of up to 20 per cent on lakesaquarium.co.uk.
