By Avonlea Cummings
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Excitement filled the Islington Westwood Branch library on Thursday, August 10th, as young families descended the stairs, eager to witness an extraordinary animal exhibition. Matt Gabriel, from Animal World Experience, prepared to showcase live animals, enlightening the youthful audience about the intricate methods these unique creatures employ to communicate.
During the hour-long presentation, Gabriel introduced a diverse array of animals under his care, including lizards, frogs, ferrets, and even an alligator. Captivating the children, Gabriel interacted closely with the audience, allowing them to touch the animals while elucidating their distinct modes of communication.
Among the creatures featured, Gabriel introduced a non-native animal—a Kinkajou, originally hailing from a rainforest habitat. This endearing Procyonidae, reminiscent of a monkey, is in fact a descendant of the raccoon. As Gabriel introduced his Kinkajou named Boo, he emphasized its sensitivity to loud noises, prompting the audience to modulate their voices accordingly.
Another highlight was Hissy Elliot, a short-tailed python and the latest addition to Gabriel's animal roster. He walked among the rows of the audience, enabling everyone to feel the strength of the python's back.
The culmination of the hour-long presentation marked the beginning of a more interactive phase. As the crowd gradually dispersed, Gabriel encouraged the remaining spectators to gather in a close circle near the stage. One by one, he presented the animals again, commencing with the python. This time, audience members were invited to hold and pet the animals themselves. The unexpected opportunity brought unbridled joy to everyone present, concluding the remarkable presentation on a high note.
As August unfolds and the school year approaches, the Westwood Library continues to host engaging events. To explore upcoming activities, please visit the events page at https://www.westwoodlibrary.org/.
