POINT PLEASANT – It’s a jungle out there, or more specifically at the Point Pleasant Borough Library, as Eyes of the Wild came to show off a pack of animals.
Eyes Of The Wild is an exotic-animal rescue that provides forever homes to over 175 animals and 60 different species from throughout the animal kingdom.
According to its website, “Our organization strives to give unwanted, neglected and confiscated creatures the proper care and quality of life they deserve. 100% of our funding comes from sharing the stories of our animal ambassadors to educate and inspire a love of nature in audiences of all ages.”
With a room packed with kids and parents alike, Samantha Guzzi, the presenter from Eyes of the Wild, captivated the audience with the several animals she brought with her.
The first was a domesticated rabbit, which was one of the animals the crowd was able to touch. The families were in awe of how calm the rabbit was despite the semi-loud crowd. Plus, many attendees jumped at the opportunity to touch this rabbit, whose fur was very soft and fluffy.
The next animal was a bit more fearsome, a baby alligator. While kids were not able to touch this one, as even a baby alligator can take off a finger, Guzzi gave many facts about the animal, showing off the advanced pair of eyelids they have evolved to help them see underwater.
Guzzi also asked questions to the crowd throughout the presentation, engaging the kids and testing their animal knowledge.
The next animal got quite a few kids, and even the parents, a tad nervous as Guzzi pulled a skunk out. Guzzi explained that while skunks do spray a very nasty smelling liquid, it is the absolute last resort a skunk will resort to because of how energy costing it is to make more of that fluid.
Plus, this skunk was once a family pet that was given up, and its previous owners had its stink glands, scientifically called anal scent glands, removed. This meant the skunk could never be released back into the wild, unfortunately. However, Guzzi assured that the skunk would have a safe, happy and healthy life with Eyes of the Wild.
The next animal was more common, being a ferret. Guzzi showed off how flexible ferrets are and even encouraged the audience to get up and see if anyone was as flexible as the ferret. No one was able to come to the ferret’s flexibility. The crowd then got the opportunity to pet the ferret, as he would turn around and often look at who was touching his fur.
The largest animal was the wallaby Guzzi brought, aptly named Mary Hoppins. This one was particularly skittish and required the crowd to be quieter to make sure not to frighten the animal. Guzzi firmly held her tail not only to prevent her from jumping all around the room, but to also tell the creature she is safe in her arms.
The last, and oldest animal was a tortoise. Guzzi admitted that neither herself nor the team at Eyes of the Wild know how old this animal is, as it was found wandering around Princeton, a long way from home of their usual habitat of Africa.
She said the tortoise must have been someone’s pet and when they did not want it anymore, it was released into the wild, a dangerous and often death sentence for many domesticated animals.
Kids and families were able to touch his shell as the program ended as Guzzi answered any more lingering questions from the excited crowd.
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