ABSTRACT
Schoolchildren throwing stones at the crocodile or the hippo are a common sight at the Delhi Zoo. These children are dressed in their school uniforms, so one can tell that they are on a formal excursion. This is confirmed by the presence of one or two teachers who stand with them. It is a rare teacher who tries to stop children from throwing stones at the animals. The teacher who shows some enthusiasm and draws their attention to specific details concerning an animal is also rare. The children walk around huddled together, oblivious of the enormous wonder of the presence in New Delhi of a wild ass or the North American puma. Both their lack of curiosity and their readiness to commit violence raise serious questions about the political role of education in our country.
