Photos and story by Sonya Hollins, editor
editor@comvoicesonline.com
KALAMAZOO (Mich.)-What do brightly colored insects mean to prey? How do you know a male frog from a female frog? What’s the difference between a tortoise and a turtle?
More than 400 area kids learned the answers to those questions and much more from David Critchlow, owner and president of Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary in Athens, MI. www.alligatorsantuary.com Critchlow’s alligator presentation on Aug. 5 at the Eastwood Branch library, 1112 Gayle St., was one of the most educating and entertaining summer programs offered by Kalamazoo Public Library.
Teresa Rakowsky, head librarian of the Eastwood Branch library said, “animal programs are our most popular draw.” From the Zoo mobiles to Nature Center bat show, she said animals and their spontaneous character are always a hit.
Not only did kids see everything from a baby alligator to a Firebelly toad during Critchlow’s show, some were “zookeepers in training” for the program and placed in charge of the reptiles. One of those students, Abbee Waddell, 11, smiled a nervous grin as a thin snake was placed around her neck. As it slithered around her hair, other students were able to gently pet the harmless character. Her sister, Mia, 8, was fascinated with the 15-year-old tortoise that would live to be about 150 years old. Katelyn Wood, 8 was placed in charge of the alligator that allowed many tiny fingers to stroke its back.
Critchlow has been brining out his crocs and other reptiles for more than two years. He entertains and educates those at libraries, churches, schools and other organizations. It was his first visit to a Kalamazoo Public Library.
While one show was planned, students of Northeastern summer program had a special show at 9:30 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. show. Because there were so many participants for the 10:30 show, Critchlow agreed to host the third show that morning.
“What does a toad do when you pick it up?” Critchlow asked students. “It pees!” one said.
“It’s not pee, it’s water…but don’t drink it,” he said to roaring laughter.
Students also learned that toads weren’t in Australia until they were imported there in 1935 to help their crops. However, while helping the crops, the toads overpopulated the area because there was no prey to control its population.
Only male frogs and toads croak. Alligators lose their stripes once they mature. And Monarch butterflies are not eaten because it grows on milkweed which makes their blood tastes awful to any prey.
Those lessons along with interactive fun offered by Critchlow were a part of summer fun the hundreds of kids and parents who participated will never forget.
