Animal kingdom: Exotic critters delight North Salem students

NORTH SALEM, N.Y. - A chinchilla's twitching whiskers, a snake's darting tongue, and a tortoise's sharp claws captivated kindergarteners at Pequenakonck Elementary School during an up-close wildlife encounter, sponsored by the PQ PTO.

Heather Iannucci from Two by Two Animal Haven guided students through sensory discoveries, encouraging them to compare textures, such as scales, fur, smooth skin, and bumpy shells. She introduced each class to creatures from distant habitats, sharing fascinating facts about their features and behaviors. Students learned that tortoise shells always have 13 sections, kangaroos only move forward, and goats have rectangular pupils to scan for predators while grazing.

While presenting Casper, a bearded dragon, Iannucci provided the students with an opportunity to think critically: "Did you know that he has three eyes? There is one on each side of his head and a third eye at the very top, which looks like a yellow dot. Can anyone explain why a lizard might need an eye on the top of its head?"

"So he could see if there's predators in the sky," said kindergartener Ryder.

After the tours, students eagerly explored the animals themselves. Some brave kindergarteners helped hold Lenny, the ball python. Others crowded around Thumper, the Flemish Giant rabbit, waiting their turn to feel his soft fur. Children took turns gently stroking Lilly the chinchilla's silky coat.

Even the Madagascar hissing cockroaches drew curious observers and gentle touches as Iannucci explained their vital role. "This bug right here saves the rainforest. He doesn't bite, he doesn't fly. His job is to stay at the base of a tree, dig into the dirt, and make large, deep holes. When birds fly over, they drop seeds, and the seeds land in the hole that the hissing cockroach made," said Iannucci. "So if it weren't for this little bug here, the rainforest wouldn't grow."

"The experience is about learning about animals in the environment. It teaches children that everything is important, from the smallest bug to the largest animal," said Iannucci. "And respect for the animals. Everything has a purpose."

Article courtesy of North Salem Central School District.