Melissa Kiser and Sam Hodgson, education specialists from the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium's Zoo to You program, delivered an engaging presentation on reptiles to students at Benjamin Franklin Elementary School.
The session aimed to educate young learners about the unique and often misunderstood species, including lizards, geckos, snakes, turtles, alligators, and crocodiles.
As part of the program, Kiser and Hodgson introduced several reptiles, including Will, the Eastern Box Turtle, Goober the prehensile monkey-tailed lizard from the Solomon Islands, and Rockette the red-tailed boa constrictor. Students were reminded to observe the reptiles closely while adhering to key rules: “Stay quiet and where you are” and “No touching the reptiles.”
The specialists conduct approximately three to four demonstrations each day and host wildlife academies, significantly impacting the education of communities about reptiles' distinct characteristics.