Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. urbanization
    • ex. Because of urbanization, many new buildings and roads are being built.
  2. a caretaker
    • ex. The caretaker feeds the animals at the shelter every morning.
  3. cuddle
    • ex. The child likes to cuddle with her mother before going to sleep.
  4. bond
    • ex. They started to bond while working on the project together.
  5. an instinct
    • ex. My dog followed its instinct and ran back home after sensing danger.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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A special wildlife hospital near Paris is helping sick and hurt animals. Many animals, like foxes and hedgehogs, are hurt because of urbanization. The hospital helps these animals heal so they can go back to nature. Recently, volunteers found a baby fox alone in a garden. A caretaker at the hospital is now feeding it and making sure it stays healthy.

At the hospital, the workers do not cuddle the animals. It is important that the animals do not bond with humans. If they become too friendly with people, they cannot survive in the wild. The workers stay quiet and keep their distance to protect the animals’ natural instincts. This “no touching” rule is for the animals’ own good so they can be released back in the wild later.

When the animals are better, they move to an outdoor area. This helps them get ready for their real homes. The hospital is very busy and sometimes takes in 200 animals in one day. Most of the patients are birds, but the hospital helps different types of animals. This important work is possible because of volunteers and support from kind people.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.
Photo Credits: The Associated Press

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Wildlife Hospital and Caretakers

  • Would you like to volunteer at a wildlife hospital? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • How do you think people can support wildlife hospitals and caretakers? Discuss.
  • Imagine you’re one of the caretakers at the wildlife hospital. Would it be easy or difficult for you not to touch or comfort the animals? Why? Discuss.

Urbanization, Wild Animals, and Nature

  • Do you think people and wild animals can live together peacefully in urban areas? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, should wild animals always return to nature after they get better? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • In your opinion, how can cities be planned to reduce harm to wild animals? Discuss.