Wild Encounters: Renovo Elementary Students Get Hands-On Lesson with Exotic Animals
By Kevin Rauch
Students at Renovo Elementary School were treated to unique thrills and experiences throughout the day on Thursday as Exotic Edventures’ Wildlife Educator Holly Rennell brought reptiles, amphibians and even a parrot for students to not only learn about but even the chance to pet under supervision.
Quietness was stressed by the Rennell as well as their teachers, but even when the students could contain their excitement verbally, smiles and wide eyes ruled the day they got up close and personal with Gecko’s, snakes, skinks, tortoises and Al, the Alexandrian Parrot.
The school and wildlife educator gave programs throughout the day, as two grades at a time were able to take in the show, meaning a rather intimate chance for students to “pet” the special guests and ask plenty of questions- never ending questioning in fact for most of the classes.
Renovo Elementary wanted to extend the program for children of all ages as well as their families so the organizers held a final program at 4:00PM. The maximum allowed 270 people signed up and descended on the school campus for that event, which again brought a constant of “oohs” and “ahhs” from the packed cafeteria.
Making the experience even more memorable were the stories behind how Wildlife Edventures came into possession of the animals. The majority become unwanted or even neglected including Rowdy, a western tortoise who was found roaming in an Altoona Cemetery.
Rowdy already had a deformed shell from in proper diet or habitat from its owners before escaping or being abandoned, while the temperatures and landscape would have eventually led to his demise. Instead, Exotic Adventures gave Rowdy a home in which if things go as planned, he will continue to live and thrive for decades to come.
Exotic Edventures is a wildlife education facility that offers fun and interactive educational programs featuring live animal ambassadors. They travel all over Pennsylvania and surrounding states, providing a wide range of educational programming. They are able to tailor our programs to accommodate clients who are looking for programming for schools, universities, camps, retirement communities, fairs, day cares, churches, festivals, film/TV/media, and other special events.
Exotic Edventures houses a diverse collection of animals from around the world. We are licensed with the USDA and their facility is regularly APHIS inspected to ensure our animals are receiving the high caliber care that they deserve.
