Henan province school invests one million yuan into building on-site zoo

Students at a school in Henan province will now be able to look at a range of animals on campus, after the faculty invested one million yuan ($144,957) into building an on-site zoo, Beijing Youth Daily reported.

A total of 30 medium and large size animals now reside on campus, at the Shixin School in Fengqiu county, including horses, alpacas, camels and sika deers.

A teacher, surnamed Han, said the one million yuan investment was to expand on the small variety of animals currently on campus. The school built its first zoo in 2000, which is home to smaller animals including fish, turtles and peacocks.

"As a boarding school, our students live without family members for long periods of time," Han said.

"We hoped the zoo would be able to provide a warm and happy atmosphere for the children at school while they are away from their families."

Han also stressed the importance of having children supervised, and accompanied by a teacher, while around the animals. He said an on-duty teacher will monitor zoo sites and students are prohibited from tampering with secure enclosures.

Representatives of Shixin School further confirmed the introduction of large animals would not have any effect on the student's in-class learning.

Two teachers have been allocated to take care of the animals and an on-call veterinarian is available nearby if needed.

While the on-campus zoo has yet to be approved by authorities, Han said the Fengqiu County Education Bureau was aware of the set up at the Shixin School.

"We do not know what reporting procedures we should take," Han said.

"We are in the midst of contacting related authorities, and we will go through the procedures if needed."