By Riley Fontana
Hometown Weekly Reporter
To celebrate the conclusion of its summer reading program, the Needham Free Public Library (NFPL) hosted a live animal showcase for all ages, featuring Animal World Experience. Matt Gabriel, the program’s engaging and knowledgeable presenter, brought a variety of exotic animals to help mark the end of summer reading in a memorable way.
Gabriel introduced seven unique animals rarely seen in New England, while also promoting responsible pet ownership. The first creature to captivate the audience was a small turtle, which instantly became a crowd favorite. Gabriel emphasized the long-term commitment required for caring for exotic animals, noting their extended lifespans and specialized dietary needs.
Next, Gabriel unveiled a playful ferret, a member of the weasel family. The furry creature received delighted "oohs" and "aahs" from the young audience, especially as it rolled around on the floor, entertaining everyone. A small frog followed, showcasing its impressive ability to climb the windows of the community room, much to the children’s amazement. Gabriel displayed the frog on a pane of glass, allowing the entire audience to get a close-up view.
One of the standout moments was when Gabriel introduced his blue-tongued skink, which enjoyed plenty of attention from the children. As he walked through the audience, he allowed everyone to get a good look at the animals and even pet those that were able to handle it. Another highlight was a hedgehog, which provided the perfect opportunity for Gabriel to educate children on the importance of understanding animal care needs. He explained that while hedgehogs are one of the exotic species allowed in Massachusetts, it’s crucial for anyone considering pet adoption to research and understand their responsibilities beforehand.
The most surprising creature Gabriel brought was a bioluminescent scorpion that glowed bright white under a blacklight. Safely kept in a locked box, the scorpion elicited a mix of reactions, with some adults shying away in fear. Finally, Gabriel introduced two snakes, which children were invited to pet. These friendly constrictors enjoyed being the stars of the show, captivating the audience with their calm demeanor.
Animal World Experience provided a fantastic wrap-up to summer reading for Needham kids. They had the chance to interact with animals they rarely see up close and left with a renewed interest in reading books about animals.
