Environmental Education, Children, and Animals

26 open interviews were conducted with about 250 kindergarten children (aged 6-12 yrs) who were asked about their pet animals, experiences with wild animals, and activities in natural environments. Results are described in light of the way in which children try to form a consistent concept of their world, using a synthetical way of thinking. The development of child-animal relationships is discussed as following a pattern in which the child moves from a somewhat fearful initial contact to a trusting relationship in which a fusion of horizons occurs. Letting children play freely with animals is strongly recommended if environmental education is to transfer awareness and knowledge.