Spore, The Sims, SimCity – these games are more than just fun time wasters, they are actually tools for learning.  Well, a new game is soon to hit retail taking on another educational approach, this time with wild animals:  SimAnimals Africa.

There are so many topics these days floating around the various sources of media about carbon footprints, saving the environment and endangered animals.  Many people shy away from these discussions – either by not being interested or blowing it off as a ‘bunch of bologna’.  Discussions like these tend to be difficult – but they don’t have to be.  The SimAnimals series is a perfect example that teaches one to appreciate the environment, while having fun in the process!

For those who aren’t aware, SimAnimals Africa is a family-friendly game which explores the African wildlife to teach children about animals like zebras, elephants, lions and crocs.  Pet, befriend, play and control the various animals using the Nintendo Wii-mote and explore the world around them.  Keep an eye on your animals and check in on their ‘status’ cards, which lists the type of food they like the best and the type of environment they prefer to live in.  The game’s main goal teaches kids to do their best in keeping a balanced environment by caring for the plants and animals that populates it.  Hopefully the game will open the child’s eyes in which they’ll start to explore the world around them, possibly “opportunities to explore what our world needs to remain healthy and happy. ”

Just remember one important fact…  As cute and cuddly wild animals may appear on television shows and/or video games, remember the key word ‘wild’.  They aren’t meant to be caged up in a person’s backyard as a pet (exluding zoo’s as they are professional handlers) – they need to roam in their natural habitat.  Don’t be the person on your local 6 o’clock news who ends up winning a Darwin Award 🙂