🐿️ Squirrel Presentation at Finida Elementary School, Poreč

On Monday, October 27th, 2025, a presentation about squirrels was held at Finida Elementary School in Poreč, prepared for the students by Conny Petö Đeneš, project leader of “Lend a Hand to Nature”, a program focused on the protection and care of squirrels.

Throughout the day, three presentations were held for three first-grade classes, and each class had the opportunity to discover the magical world of these charming forest creatures.

The students learned with great interest about the importance of coexistence between humans and animals in cities, and how squirrels and other wild animals in natural forest habitats do not require much human help, while in urban areas – due to fragmentation and loss of habitats – they often lack sufficient food, water, and shelter.
Because of this, people can help by setting up nesting boxes, feeders, and water stations, making life easier for them and helping to preserve their presence in urban environments.

The children also learned about different species of squirrels around the world and in Europe – there are more than 285 species of squirrels, which can be divided into three main groups:
🌳 tree squirrels,
🌰 ground squirrels, and
🕊️ flying squirrels.

They were shown photos of various squirrel species and colors, and also learned what kind of food is safe to place in squirrel feeders, and what should be avoided, to ensure the animals’ health and a natural diet.

At the end of the presentation, each child received two picture books as a gift:
📖 “Koki and the Lost Walnut”
📖 “Bim, Bum and Bam – Adventures in the City Park”

The picture books were written and illustrated by Conny Petö Đeneš, and this initiative was supported by Valamar Riviera d.d., which sponsored the printing of the books.
The “Lend a Hand to Nature” project continues with the strong support of Valamar Riviera d.d. and the City of Poreč, who together contribute to the protection and preservation of squirrels in our town.

A heartfelt thank you to the teachers, the principal, and the children for their wonderful cooperation, openness, and enthusiasm for the natural world.

🐿️❤️ Small acts of care create great wonders for nature.