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Solutions to NCERT Class 7 English Poorvi Wit and Humour Chapter 4 ‘Animals, Birds and Dr Doolittle
Animals, Birds, And Dr. Dolittle
Let us do these activities before we read.
I. Do you have a pet or a domestic animal? If yes, why? If not, why not? How do people usually spend time with a pet or domestic animal? Share your thoughts with your classmates and the teacher.
Answer:
Yes, I do have a pet dog. I used to feel very lonely after returning from school because both my parents are working. So, I asked my parents for permission to get a pet dog to keep me company. Poppins is a beagle which my friend gave me when he was only two months old. Like all pet owners, I too enjoy the loyal and affectionate company of my dog. I love taking him out for walks, brushing his coat, giving him a bath and most of all petting him. He too enjoys my company and follows me around the house, tugs at my pants when he wants to play or go for a walk. He sits at my feet very quietly when I do my homework. At night, he jumps on to my bed and curls around near my feet. I feel secure with him around.
II. You must have read stories where animals and birds talk. If you had a chance to communicate with an animal or a bird, who would you like to speak to and why? Share your thoughts with your classmates and the teacher.
Answer:
If I had the chance to communicate with an animal, I would love to talk to an orangutan.
Orangutans are intelligent and gentle apes that live high up in the trees of the rainforests in Indonesia and Malaysia. They have kind, thoughtful eyes and seem to understand more than they show. I’ve always been curious about how they feel regarding their shrinking habitat because trees are being cut down indiscriminately.
I would ask the orangutan about his daily activities, how it feels swinging from tree to tree, and what fruits it loves most. I’d also want to know mother orangutans takes care of its babies, who stay close to their mothers for many years.
It would be interesting to see things from the perspective of the wise forest guardian.
III. If we closely observe the body language of animals and birds, we can understand what they want to tell us. Work in pairs and study the pictures given below. Find out what emotions these animals and birds are trying to convey. Share your observations with your classmates and the teacher.
Answer:
The emotions revealed by the body language of the animals depicted are shown below:
- The duck seems to be angry.
- The cat appears frightened.
- The dog seems happy
- The bird seems contented.
Let us discuss (Page 46)
I. Complete the following sentence by selecting a suitable reason.
The Cat’s-food-Man suggests to Doctor Dolittle that he should become an animal doctor because he believes that Dolittle ______________________________________________________.
1. earns less fee by treating human patients
2. enjoys the company of animals as they speak less
3. dislikes spending time with human patients
4. knows more about animals than the local veterinarians
Answer:
The Cat’s-food-Man suggests to Doctor Dolittle that he should become an animal doctor because he believes that Dolittle 4. knows more about animals than the local veterinarians.
II. Fill in the blanks by choosing the suitable option given in the brackets.
Doctor Dolittle reacts to Polynesia’s information about animal languages with both excitement and ____________ (certainty/curiosity). He rushes to ____________ (write/memorise) the bird words she provides and is interested in learning more.
Answer:
Doctor Dolittle reacts to Polynesia’s information about animal languages with both excitement and curiosity (certainty/curiosity). He rushes to write (write/memorise) the bird words she provides and is interested in learning more.
III. Do you think Doctor Dolittle would be famous as an animal doctor? If yes, why? If not, why not?
Answer:
Yes, I think Doctor Dolittle would be famous as an animal doctor.Doctor Dolittle had a very special ability that no other animal doctor had—he could understand what animals were saying. With help from Polynesia the parrot and other animals, he learned their language and treated them with care and intelligence. This ability would him a big advantage over other animal doctors, because instead of guessing what was wrong, he could ask the animals directly about their symptoms. His unique skill and kindness would quickly become known among both animals and people, making him a very famous and trusted animal doctor.
Let us discuss (Page 49)
I. What became a common sight in Puddleby after Doctor Dolittle started treating animals?
1. Humans talking to farm animals
2. Farm animals wearing glasses
3. Farm animals learning bird language
4. Birds riding atop farm animals
Answer:
2. Farm animals wearing glasses became a common sight
II. What challenges do you think Doctor Dolittle might face if more and more animals come to him for help?
Answer:
If more and more animals come to Doctor Dolittle for help, he might face several challenges:
Too Many Patients: His garden and house could become overcrowded with animals, making it hard to manage or give each one enough time and care.
Lack of Space and Resources: He may not have enough space, medicine, or instruments to treat so many animals, especially if they have different types of illnesses or injuries.
Tiredness and Stress: If he treats animals all day, without adequate rest or time for himself, he may feel exhausted and stressed out.
Noise and Disturbance: The noise made by the multitude of animals gathered near his house would be disturbing for the doctor as well as his neighbours.
Hygiene and Cleanliness: Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene would be a challenge with so many different animals in one place. This could lead to sickness or infections if not handled properly.
1. How might he overcome these challenges to ensure that he provides good treatment?
Answer:
Doctor Dolittle could overcome these challenges by being systematic and creative.
First, he could build a large hospital with separate departments for different species of animals to avoid overcrowding.
He would need to engage a few more animal doctors and train them to specialise in the treatment of different species with empathy. He might also train some of the smarter animals, like Polynesia the parrot or Jip the dog, to help him manage the patients and communicate with animals who speak different dialects.
A duty roster would allocate work among different doctors ensuring that all doctors get adequate rest.
He would form a team of intelligent animals who would be in charge of maintaining peace and quiet in the neighbourhood.
He could engage a cleaning crew who would keep things neat and safe.
With proper planning, teamwork, and his deep understanding of animals, Doctor Dolittle would be able to continue giving the best treatment—even to large numbers of animals.
III. Arrange the following events in correct order according to the story. Two have been done for you. Share your answers with your classmates and the teacher.
Answer:
| 1. Doctor Dolittle decides to stop being a doctor for people and becomes a doctor for animals. | (iv) |
| 2. Animals from near and far come to Doctor Dolittle for help, crowding his garden. | (viii) |
| 3. A man with a stomach-ache visits Doctor Dolittle and suggests he should treat animals instead of people. | (i) |
| 4. Polynesia teaches Doctor Dolittle animal languages, and he starts understanding and communicating with animals. | (iii) |
| 5. A plough horse with vision problems visits Doctor Dolittle, who prescribes green spectacles, to improve the horse’s eyesight. | (vi) |
| 6. The parrot, Polynesia, encourages Doctor Dolittle to become an animal doctor, revealing that animals can talk. | (ii) |
| 7. Doctor Dolittle installs special doors for different animals to enter his house for treatment. | (ix) |
| 8. Doctor Dolittle’s ability to communicate with animals helps him diagnose and treat their illnesses effectively. | (vii) |
| 9. Doctor Dolittle gains fame among animals worldwide, and they come to him from various places for his help. | (x) |
| 10. Word spreads, and people start bringing their sick pets and farm animals to Doctor Dolittle for treatment. | (v) |
Let us think and reflect (Page 50)
I. Read the extracts given below and answer the questions that follow.
1. “If I say, ‘Polly wants a cracker’, you understand me. But hear this: Ka-ka oi-ee, fee-fee?”
“Good Gracious!” cried the Doctor. “What does that mean?”
“That means, ‘Is the porridge hot yet?’—in bird language.”
“My! You don’t say so!” said the Doctor. “You never talked that way to me before.”
Wit and Humour “What would have been the good?” said Polynesia, dusting some cracker
crumbs off her left wing. “You wouldn’t have understood me if I had.”
(i) Complete the sentence by choosing the correct option.
In the line, “Good Gracious!” cried the Doctor, the expression
‘Good Gracious’ can be replaced by ______________!
A. bravo B. gosh C. alas D. hurray
Answer:
B. gosh
(ii) Why had Polynesia never used bird language with the Doctor earlier?
Answer:
Polynesia had never used bird language with the Doctor earlier because she knew he wouldn’t have understood it at that time.
(iii) Identify whether the following statement is true or false. Polynesia had been munching on a food item while talking to Doctor Dolittle.
Answer:
True – She was dusting cracker crumbs off her wing, which shows she had been munching a cracker while talking to Doctor Doolittle.
(iv) How did Doctor Dolittle feel according to the extract?
A. anxious B. surprised C. angry D. relaxed
Answer:
B. surprised – He was amazed to learn that animals communicated in their own language.
2. “I would like a pair like yours,” said the horse— “only green. They’ll keep the Sun out of my eyes while I’m ploughing the field.”
“Certainly,” said the Doctor. “Green ones you shall have.”
“You know, the trouble is, Sir,” said the plough horse as the Doctor opened the front door to let him out— “the trouble is that anybody thinks he can doctor animals—just because the animals don’t complain. As a matter of fact, it takes a much cleverer man to be a really good animal doctor than it does to be a good people’s doctor.”
(i) Choose a word from the extract to complete the analogy.
digging: flower bed: ______________: field
Answer:
digging: flower bed: ploughing: field
(ii) Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
Doctor Dolittle’s attitude in the extract is ______________.
A. respectful B. sentimental C. understanding D. careful
Answer:
C. understanding – He listens patiently to the horse and promises to provide a pair of green spectacles.
(iii) Complete the sentence with an appropriate reason.
Based on the extract, we can conclude that doctors take animals for granted because ______________.
Answer:
Based on the extract, we can conclude that doctors take animals for granted because animals cannot complain or explain their problems like humans do, so doctors assume their treatment is always correct.
(iv) Do you agree with the concluding sentence of the extract? Why/why not?
Answer:
Yes, I agree with the concluding sentence. It takes a much cleverer person to be a good animal doctor because animals can’t express their pain in words. A good animal doctor should be observant, patient, and willing to learn how animals communicate. Understanding animal behaviour, and needs requires great skill and deep empathy, which everyone does not possess.
II. Answer the following questions.
1. How can we say that Polynesia was a good trainer of animal language?
Answer:
We can say that Polynesia was a good trainer of animal language because she taught Doctor Doolittle the bird language patiently and painstakingly. She not only shared bird words with him but also explained the meaning behind their sounds and gestures. She made him realize that animals can communicate not only with their voices but also through their body language. She was able to stimulate Doctor Dolittle’s interest in animal communication and her instruction helped Doctor Dolittle to become a successful animal doctor.
2. Explain how Doctor Dolittle gave equal and individual attention to each animal who came to him for treatment.
Answer:
Doctor Dolittle gave equal and individual attention to each animal who came to him for treatment and treated them with great care and empathy. He listened attentively to their problems, correctly identified their needs and found creative solutions. For example, he made green spectacles for a horse who was going blind. He even built special doors for different animals—like ‘HORSES’, ‘COWS’, ‘SHEEP’, and a tiny tunnel for mice—so that each kind could enter the house comfortably and wait in line to consult him.
3. How does Doctor Dolittle’s readiness to follow the parrot’s advice highlight the importance of listening to different viewpoints?
Answer:
Doctor Dolittle’s decision to follow the parrot’s advice shows that listening to different viewpoints can lead to new opportunities and success. He respected Polynesia’s intelligence, listened attentively, and acted on her suggestion to become an animal doctor. This step transformed his life and made him famous. It shows that being open to others—even animals—can lead to better decisions.
4. Which qualities of Doctor Dolittle made him famous among the animals? Explain with evidence from the text.
Answer:
The qualities which made Doctor Dolittle famous were his empathy, intelligence, patience, and willingness to learn. He worked hard to learn and understand animal language with the help of Polynesia, paid proper attention to each animal’s needs, and treated each one with respect. For example, he listened to the horse’s complaint that it was going blind in one eye and prescribed green glasses. Animals trusted him because he understood their language and could cure them easily.
5. What changes do you think would happen in the world if people suddenly gained the ability like Doctor Dolittle, to understand and communicate with animals?
Answer:
If people could talk to animals like Doctor Dolittle, the world would become a kinder place. Animals would be able to tell us how they feel and what they need. This would help stop animal abuse, because animals could speak up for themselves. It would also make it easier for vets to treat sick animals, since they could explain their symptoms. People would understand animals better, and our relationship with them would become stronger. We might also take better care of nature, because animals could tell us how pollution or cutting down trees is hurting them. In the future, there could be better rules to protect animal rights and treat them with more kindness and respect.
Let Us Learn (Page 52)
I. Read the following words from the text.
Cat’s-food-Man, bird language, flowerpots
Are all the words that are combined to form another word written the same way?
| Compound words are formed by combining two words of different parts of speech to create a new word that has an entirely new meaning. They are of three types─hyphenated (Cat’s-food-Man), open compound words (bird language) and closed compound words (flowerpots). |
Complete the following table correctly by choosing words from the box given below. An example has been done for you.
| sailor song | teatime | check-in | plough horse | harvest mice | windowsill | well-bred |
| Hyphenated Words | Open Compound Words | Closed Compound Words |
| check-in | sailor song | teatime |
| well-bred | plough horse | windowsill |
| harvest mice |
II. Create compound words from the table given below.
| A | B |
| 1. fun | (i) head |
| 2. high | (ii) birds |
| 3. never | (iii) flying |
| 4. early | (iv) loving |
| 5. song | (v) risers |
| 6. over | (vi) tops |
| 7. tree | (vii) ending |
Answer:
| A | B |
| 1. fun | (iv) loving (fun-loving) |
| 2. high | (iii) flying (High-flying) |
| 3. never | (vii) ending (never-ending) |
| 4. early | (v) risers (early risers) |
| 5. song | (ii) birds (songbirds) |
| 6. over | (i) head (overhead) |
| 7. tree | (vi) tops (tree tops) |
Now, complete the paragraph with suitable compound words from thetable. An example has been done for you.
After being treated by Doctor Dolittle, the A. fun-loving dolphins danced playfully in his sanctuary. The B. _______________ chatter of monkeys echoed through the C. _______________, their ailments cured. D. ______________ eagles soared gracefully E. _______________ their health restored. F. _______________ among the G. _______________ chirped joyfully from the branches. All creatures were happy with Doctor Dolittle’s care
Answer:
After being treated by Doctor Dolittle, the A. fun-loving dolphins danced playfully in his sanctuary. The B. never-ending chatter of monkeys echoed through the C. tree tops, their ailments cured.
D. High-flying eagles soared gracefully E. overhead their health restored. F. Early risers among the G. songbirds chirped joyfully from the branches. All creatures were happy with Doctor Dolittle’s care.
III. Underline the names of animals that are hidden in the sentences given below. Clues are given within the brackets. An example has been done for you.
1. Dr. Dolittle was eating oatmeal for his breakfast. (a farm animal)
2. Old ladies began to bring him their pets. (an insect)
3. The author sees the connection between humans and animals. (a farm animal)
4. The three baby dinosaurs are from ice age. (field animal)
5. The patients who came late didn’t know where to go. (ship of the desert)
Answer:
1. Dr. Dolittle was eating oatmeal for his breakfast. (a farm animal)
2. Old ladies began to bring him their pets. (an insect)
3. The author sees the connection between humans and animals. (a farm animal)
4. The three baby dinosaurs are from ice age. (field animal)
5. The patients who came late didn’t know where to go. (ship of the desert)
IV Read the following sentence from the text. Study the highlighted words.
But that stupid man over the hill never even looked at my eyes.
The highlighted words spell and read the same backwards too.
| A word, phrase, or sequence that reads the same backwards as forwards is a palindrome. Some of the common palindromes include ‘Was it a car or a cat I saw?’, ‘Madam, I’m Adam’ and ‘A man, a plan, a canal—Panama’ |
Read the sentences below and identify the palindrome words and sentences.
1. Step on no pets.
2. Naman saw a race car at the show.
3. Nitin speaks in Malayalam.
4. The engineer used a rotator to check the surface level.
5. The pilot relied on the radar to navigate safely.
6. Eva can I see bees in a cave?
Answer:
Step on no pets.
Palindrome phrase: Step on no pets
Naman saw a race car at the show.
Palindromes: Naman, racecar
Nitin speaks in Malayalam.
Palindromes: Nitin, Malayalam
The engineer used a rotator to check the surface level.
Palindrome: rotator
The pilot relied on the radar to navigate safely.
Palindrome: radar
Eva can I see bees in a cave?
Palindrome phrase: Eva, can I see bees in a cave?
Now, create your own palindrome and share it with your classmates and the teacher.
Answer:
Have fun creating a palindrome. One has been done for you:
Wow mom wow!
V. Underline the verbs and identify the tense form in the following sentences from the text.
1. He is asking you a question.
2. Oh, there are plenty of animal doctors.
3. I am going blind in one eye.
4. … the trouble is that anybody thinks he can doctor animals.
Answer:
1. He is asking you a question.
2. Oh, there are plenty of animal doctors.
3. I am going blind in one eye.
4. … the trouble is that anybody thinks he can doctor animals.
| The verbs in 1. And 3. are in present continuous form. The verbs in 2. and 4. are in simple present. |
VI Read the following sentences from the text.
• That man’s (man has) got sense.
• Can’t you see that it has stopped raining?
In the first sentence the verbs, ‘has got’ denote an action that is relevant at the time of speaking.
In the second sentence, the verbs ‘has stopped’ denote an action that is recently completed.
| We use present perfect tense to indicate: • a recently completed action • an action that started in the past and is relevant even at the moment of speaking • an action in the past where the focus is on the action and not on the time of occurrence (but relevant at the time of speaking) Structure of Present Perfect Tense: has/ have + V3 (past participle) |
Fill in the blanks using the correct form of verbs (present perfect) given within brackets.
Since becoming an animal doctor, Doctor Dolittle 1. _________ (learn) to communicate with all animals and birds. He 2. _________ (treat) countless farm animals and pets with care.
The parrot, Polynesia, 3. _________ (teach) him bird-language, and he 4. _________ (write) books about his adventures. Many people 5. _________ (bring) their sick animals to his door. Over the years, Dolittle 6. _________ (become) renowned worldwide for his unique abilities.
Answer:
Since becoming an animal doctor, Doctor Dolittle 1. has learnt (learn) to communicate with all animals and birds. He 2. has treated (treat) countless farm animals and pets with care.
The parrot, Polynesia, 3. has taught (teach) him bird-language, and he 4. has written (write) books about his adventures. Many people 5. have brought (bring) their sick animals to his door. Over the years, Dolittle 6. has become (become) renowned worldwide for his unique abilities.
Let us listen (Page 55)
I. You will listen to an announcement. As you listen, state whether the following statement is true or false. (Transcript for the teacher on pg. 88)
Dr. Dolittle’s new clinic presents an offer of free medicines.
II. You will listen to the announcement again. As you listen, complete the details given below with one or two exact words you hear.
1. The new clinic is located in the town of ______________.
2. The address is 12, ______________ Lane.
3. The clinic is open Monday to Friday from ______________ a.m. to 5 p.m.
4. Special timings for ______________ are on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
5. Dr. Dolittle will ensure that animals get the ______________.
6. All animals—horses, cows, ______________, wild animals, and others are welcome.
Answer:
1. The new clinic is located in the town of Woodstock.
2. The address is 12, Rose Lane.
3. The clinic is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
4. Special timings for birds are on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
5. Dr. Dolittle will ensure that animals get the best care possible.
6. All animals—horses, cows, pets, wild animals, and others are welcome
Let us speak (Page 55)
Conversation between a doctor and a patient
• Read the information about the problems 1–4.
• Use the cue cards provided to guide your conversation.
• Take turns to play parts of doctor and patient.
Problem 1: Cough and cold
• Solution: Ginger and honey mix
• Additional Advice: Drink warm fluids and rest.
Problem 2: Dry lips
• Solution: Apply ghee
• Additional Advice: Stay hydrated and avoid wetting your lips.
Problem 3: Sore throat
• Solution: Gargle with warm salt water.
• Additional Advice: Drink herbal teas and
avoid cold drinks.
Problem 4: Fatigue
• Solution: Ensure adequate sleep and a balanced diet.
• Additional Advice: Take short walks to increase energy levels.
Cue Cards
| Doctor | Patient |
| Greet the patient | Respond to the greeting |
| Enquire about the problem | Tell your problem |
| Ask about symptoms | Describe the symptoms |
| Make a diagnosis and give solution | Ask for clarification |
| Provide additional advice | Acknowledge the information and ask about the next appointment |
| Share details of next appointment | Express agreement and thank the doctor |
Answer:
Here are Sample Conversations between Doctor & Patient to guide you:
Problem 1: Cough and Cold as an example.
Doctor: Good morning! How can I help you today?
Patient: Good morning, Doctor. I’ve been having a bad cough and cold.
Doctor: I’m sorry to hear that. Can you tell me how long you’ve had the symptoms?
Patient: It’s been about three days. I can’t sleep at night because of the persistent coughing.
Doctor: It sounds like a common cold. I recommend a mix of ginger and honey to soothe your throat.
Patient: Okay, Doctor. What other precautions should I take?
Doctor: Well, you should drink warm fluids and take plenty of rest. That will help you recover faster.
Patient: Thank you. When should I come for the next appointment?
Doctor: If you don’t feel better in three days, come back on Friday.
Patient: Thank you so much, Doctor!
Doctor: You’re welcome. Take care!
Problem 2: Dry Lips
Doctor: Hello! What brings you here today?
Patient: Hello, Doctor. I am here to consult you about my dry and chapped lips.
Doctor: I see. Have you been drinking enough water?
Patient: Not really. I’ve also been licking my lips a lot.
Doctor: That might be causing the dryness. I suggest that you apply a little ghee on your lips.
Patient: Okay. Is there anything else that I should do?
Doctor: Yes, drink plenty of water and avoid wetting your lips with your tongue.
Patient: Thank you, Doctor. When should I come back if it doesn’t improve?
Doctor: Come back after five days if the problem continues.
Patient: Alright. Thanks a lot, Doctor!
Doctor: You’re welcome. Take care!
Problem 3: Problem 3: Sore Throat
Doctor: Good afternoon! What problem are you facing?
Patient: Good afternoon, Doctor. I’ve had a sore throat since yesterday.
Doctor: Does it hurt while swallowing? Do you have any fever?
Patient: Yes, it hurts a bit when I swallow, but there’s no fever.
Doctor: Okay. You should gargle with warm salt water. It will help soothe the pain.
Patient: Got it. What else can I do for quick relief?
Doctor: You can drink herbal teas and avoid drinking anything cold.
Patient: Thank you, Doctor. When should I return for a check-up?
Doctor: Come back in three days if it doesn’t get better.
Patient: Alright, thank you so much!
Doctor: You’re most welcome. Get well soon!
Problem 4: Fatigue
Doctor: Hello! Are you feeling unwell? Tell me what your symptoms are?
Patient: Hello, Doctor. I am always feeling drained and worn out.
Doctor: I’m sorry to hear that. Are you sleeping well and eating properly?
Patient: Not really. I’ve been staying up late to work on my project and skipping meals.
Doctor: That explains it. You must get sufficient sleep and have a balanced diet.
Patient: Okay, Doctor. Is there anything else I should do?
Doctor: Yes, try taking short walks every day to boost your energy levels and I will prescribe some vitamins which should perk you up.
Patient: Thanks, Doctor. When should I come again?
Doctor: If you don’t feel better in a week, visit me next Thursday.
Patient: Sure. Thank you so much!
Doctor: You’re welcome. Take care and be sure to rest and eat well.
Let us write (Page 57)
A notice is a means of formal communication for a particular group of persons. It informs them about some important event, such as an invitation to a meeting, an announcement, to give instructions, make appeals, etc.
Write a notice in about 50 words about the Annual Health Check-up for students of Grades 6–8. Remind students to collect their health check-up cards from the class teacher. Include all other necessary details about date, time, and venue.
Complete the draft of the notice by using the words and phrases given in the box below.
| inform | queries | health card | health check-up |
| assembly hall | Grades 6–8 | please contact | Thursday and Friday |
| Remember to • use formal language in third person. • mention the reason for writing the notice and any other relevant information. For example, whom to contact, when and where, etc. • write the notice in a box. |
Answer:
Let us explore (Page 58)
I. The word ‘goshala’ translates to ‘cowshed’ in English. It is a Sanskrit word that is made up of the words ‘go’, which means ‘cow’, and śālā, which means ‘shed’ or ‘hall’.
Plan a visit with the teacher to a ‘goshala’ and find out how the cows are looked after.
Answer:
A sample plan has been drawn up for your reference:
Educational Visit Plan to a Goshala (Cowshed)
1. Purpose of the Visit
The purpose of the visit is to give students first hand experience about animal care, specifically cows. Observing real-life practices in a goshala will sensitise them to the need for kindness and caring towards animals.
2. Participants
Grade 7 Students
Number of Students: Around 30–35
Staff: Class teacher and one science teacher.
3. Date & Time
Date: Wednesday, 21st May, 20XX
Time of Departure from School: 9:00 a.m.
Return Time: 1:00 p.m.
4. Details of goshala to be visited
Location: Shri Krishna Gaushala, Vasant Kunj , Delhi
Distance: Approx. 50 minutes from school by bus
5. Objectives of the Visit
To Learn what cows are fed and observe whether their food is prepared hygienically.
Study how cows are cleaned and taken care of daily so that they remain disease free and healthy.
Observe if the shelters are well maintained and well-ventilated, whether they have adequate shade and drinking water.
Check whether traditional or modern methods and medicines are used to take care of sick cows.
Interview the caretakers (gopalaks) about the daily routine of cow care shelters and also find out what challenges they face in keeping the cows healthy and productive.
6. Student Observation Report:
During our visit to the local gaushala, we observed how cows are cared for with tenderness and respect and the painstaking efforts made to maintain their health and comfort. The staff at the gaushala showed us the areas where the cows live, eat, and rest. The place was clean, well-ventilated, and peaceful, which showed that the animals were kept in a calm and safe environment.
Nutrition:
We learned that cows are not just fed grass or hay. Their diet is carefully balanced to ensure they get all the necessary nutrients:
Fresh grass and dry hay are the basics.
Silage (fermented fodder) is given, especially in dry seasons.
Grains such as maize, wheat, and soybean meal are added for energy and protein.
Vegetable peels and leftovers from nearby markets are used to feed the cows economically.
Mineral mixtures and vitamin supplements are provided to keep cows healthy and support milk production.
Herbal tonics or Ayurvedic supplements are sometimes used for immunity and digestion.
For weak or old cows, soft gruel or warm water with rice bran may be given.
Healthcare and Hygiene:
Each cow is regularly examined by a veterinarian.
Cows are washed and groomed regularly.
It is customary to isolate sick cows from the rest and are given special palliative care.
Clean drinking water is available at all times.
A safe shelter with shade and protection from rain and sun is provided.
Cleanliness and Environment:
The gaushala was kept clean and the waste was managed efficiently.
Cow dung was collected and used to make compost or biogas.
The cows had enough space to move around freely, which keeps them stress-free.
Challenges Faced by Gaushalas:
The gopalaks or caretakers told us of the many challenges confronting them:
Arranging sufficient funds to provide food, medicines, and maintenance of the growing number of cows is a practical hurdle which is difficult to overcome.
Taking care of abandoned or aging cows who no longer produce milk is a strain on scarce resources, but they deserve to be allowed to live out the rest of their lives in peace and comfort.
Non availability of trained staff or volunteers is another serious problem.
More medical supplies and regular veterinary visits are required for the care and comfort of the gaushala inmates.
What We Learned:
From this visit, we realised that cows need balanced nutrition, just like humans. Feeding them only grass is not enough—they also require proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It was motivating to see how the gaushala staff worked with compassion and dedication. We realized how much effort goes into looking after these gentle animals, and the importance of supporting animal welfare.
II. Ayurveda is the oldest existing medical system in India. Animals received good medicinal care in ancient India. Indian medical treatises like
Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Harita Samhita contain references of care of animals. Find out names of different organisations that work for the welfare of animals with the help of the teacher.
Answer:
Some organisations that work for the welfare of animals are:
| Name | Location | Core Area |
| Blue Cross of India | Chennai | Rescue, shelter, sterilisation, animal birth control |
| People for Animals (PFA) | Pan-India (HQ: Delhi) | Largest network of shelters and ambulance services |
| Animal Aid Unlimited | Udaipur, Rajasthan | Street animal rescue, emergency care |
| Friendicoes SECA | Delhi NCR | Rescue, sterilisation, adoption, shelter |
| BSPCA (Bombay SPCA) | Mumbai | One of the oldest animal hospitals in India |
III. What is the best way to take care of stray and abandoned animals?
1. Provide food and water for the animal
2. Take them to an animal shelter
3. Adopt them by taking them home
Give reasons for your responses.
Answer:
Taking care of stray and deserted animals is a humane and compassionate act. Here are three practical ways to help them, along with the reasons why each one is important:
1. Provide Food and Water for the Animal
Reason:
Stray animals often go hungry and thirsty because they wander around without a permanent shelter. By giving them wholesome food and water, we enable them to become healthy and survive on the streets. Feeding them regularly earns their trust which would be useful if they need further help. Regular feeding can also build trust, which is useful if they need further help.
2. Take Them to an Animal Shelter
Reason: If an animal is sick, injured, or very young, a shelter is the best place for them because animal shelters provide medical care, nutritious food, and most important of all – a safe environment. Shelters also have adoption drives to help in finding loving homes for these vulnerable creatures. This ensures the animal can enjoy a life filled with care and compassion.
3. Adopt Them by Taking Them Home
Reason:
Adopting a stray gives it a second lease of life. The castaway animal receives love, care, and safety in a permanent home. Adoption offers the animal a chance to live in a loving and secure environment. By adopting a stray, you not only save him, but also make space in animal shelters for another for another animal in distress.
Conclusion:
All three ways are crucial, and the best option depends on your situation. If you can’t adopt, feeding and contacting a shelter is still a big help. Each small act of care makes a huge difference in the life of a stray animal.
Hope you found our solutions to NCERT Class 7 English Poorvi Wit and Humour Chapter 4 ‘Animals, Birds and Dr Doolittle helpful! Need extra help? Book a free demo class now!
