Families flocked to the Carmine Carro Community Center, located at 3000 Fillmore Avenue, on Saturday, July 18th, to see Uncle Tony’s Reptile Show, a “Just for Kids” event sponsored by Marine Park Alliance.
Kids had the opportunity to meet a number of reptiles up close and personal, including a python, an iguana, a bearded dragon and a boa constrictor. After learning some interesting facts about where each reptile lives in the wild, their lifespans, diets and interesting abilities, the children were invited to touch each of the animals and feel their rough, smooth or scaly textures.
They were also introduced to a ferret, a red-legged millipede and a tarantula. Rachel, the presenter, explained that tarantulas can feel very tiny vibrations on the ground with the hairs on their body, a defense mechanism that prevents them from being stomped on. She told the group that tarantulas like the one on display are also able to kick barbed hairs off their bodies onto would-be predators that cause intense itching. In the end, one very brave adult volunteer agreed to let the tarantula sit on his head, while he stood as still as a statue.
Drinks and snacks for the kids were most generously provided by Target Kings Plaza.
To learn about future events, visit https://www.marineparkalliance.org/events/.
