Kasaragod: Priyananda, a 6th standard student, is excited to construct a small pond for her favourite frogs. She is planning to construct a pond for her 22 frogs when her father returns home from UAE.
The girl who is a native of Thaikkadappuram in Nileshwar, has been rearing frogs for the past three years.
Earlier, Priyananda and family were settled in her grandpa’s house.
She took the effort to construct a concrete pond with one-metre length and width for protecting her pet frogs.
‘Pokkachi’ (Indian bullfrog) and ‘Makkachi’ (Jerdon’s bullfrog) are also among the frogs in the pond.
Recently, the girl and her family shifted to their new house close to the old house. But, Priyananda failed to take her frogs to the new house.
“We have to make a pond in our new house to shift the frogs. My father Prasanth promised me that a new pond will be constructed in our compound,” said Priyananda.
Her mother Savitha and sister Sreepriya also supported her.
When most of the children are spending time in front of computer and smartphone amid the pandemic, Priyananda and her friends spent time with the frogs. Interestingly, the team of kids give biscuit and other snacks to the frogs in the pond.
When Priyananda and sister leave home by evening, the frogs will stray into the land in search of prey. After satisfying hunger, the frogs will return to the pond.
Priyananda’s grandpa and family are in charge of protecting the army of frogs now.
Priyananda reaches to meet the frogs daily morning. Greeting her, the frogs will gather outside the pond.
Earlier, the girl reared guppy fish at her home. Unexpectedly, a frog reached her fish farm. Later, the number increased. Following this, Priyananda decided to rear frogs and asked her father to construct a pond.
Environmentalist and teacher P Praveen Kumar has given necessary guidelines for protecting the frogs.
Priyananda is a student at NK Balakrishnan Memorial school in Nileshwar.
