Think your kid wants nothing to do with reptiles? Kids seem to inherently gravitate toward these animals. Most are too young to have been fed all the garbage about them being mean and nasty. A child touching or holding a lizard or snake for the first time is one of the greatest sights, in my eyes. Most kids are exposed to animals such as dogs and cats, and that is great. Most, however, pause and gaze at reptiles. They approach with a degree of caution but hardly hesitate to ask if they can pet it. There is no coincidence that the reptile house of the zoo is typically the most popular, and why aquariums are adding more and more reptile exhibits (not that fish are not interesting, but there is a certain disconnect and perhaps perceived intangibility between people and fish). Reptiles straddle the line between touchable/handleable and exotic/mysterious. It's a great thing for kids to be able to safely come into contact with these animals, since the experiences often can lead to a better respect for all lifeforms and improved ERB (environmentally-responsible behavior). At the very least, it's a cool experience they won't soon forget!
Jeffrey Peffers holding his first wild-caught brown snake. I was proud!
Jeffrey Peffers and his first blue-spotted salamander.
Jeffrey Peffers long ago, delighted to be petting Bubu the boa.
Who wants to learn about snakes??
The kids were supposed to sit on the mat, but they mostly pushed to the front and some ended up off-limits.
Inspector Gadget
A young visitor to Fall Fest in 2012 (with a tiger salamander).
Girl posing with Dexstar, the water dragon, at summer festival.
Girl with corn snake at church event.
At the summer festival - my jungle carpet python absolutely made this kid's day!
Alli Calli (Jeffrey's sister) with Birdy, the Solomon Islands ground boa.
