BARNEGAT – What do a chinchilla, an Arctic fox, two small alligators, a rainforest porcupine, and an African pygmy hedgehog have in common? While the question might sound like the start of some elaborate riddle, the answer is actually quite simple.
The six came along with their human guardian to visit third-grade Gifted and Talented students at the local school district’s Joseph T. Donahue Elementary School. The animals are part of a unique educational program that brings exotic animals to schools to teach children about wildlife conservation.
Gifted and Talented teacher Deanna Buccella employs a project-based learning approach to inspire students to delve into various subjects. Before meeting the animals making guest appearances, the third-grade group began studying endangered species and creating informative commercials.
A sampling of the video presentations offered some well-researched information. One student passionately advocated for preserving the northern white rhino, emphasizing the critically low numbers of this subspecies. Another focused on the conservation efforts for the eastern mud salamander.
The rainforest porcupine took the banana from the other end of its human guardian’s mouth. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
A third commercial drew attention to the declining population of monarch butterflies, offering suggestions to bolster their numbers. The presenter also pointed out the adverse effects of mosquito spraying on these delicate creatures.
Parents and guardians were invited to the live animal show presented by Travis Gale, owner of Eyes of the Wild. They had the opportunity to view student commercials prior to the animals taking away the spotlight.
“The students are working on researching skills and learning how to use a computer to make an infographic,” Buccella explained to the adult audience. “When we’re done with their infographics, they will be displayed first for our school community, and then they’ll come down, and they will go into the county parks.”
“The goal of project-based learning is to have an overall theme,” continued Buccella. “This is to save the species, to be the voice, and to get the message out to a larger audience.”
Buccella’s enthusiasm for her students’ potential to effect change stands out as both inspiring and infectious. The appearance of Gale and his six extraordinary creatures were a perfect supplement to the regular learning plan.
“Eyes in the Wild, where I’m from, is an exotic animal rescue,” Gale explained. “Currently, we have about 170 animals we take care of – most of them are unwanted pets.”
Gale added that a number of animals in his care came to his rescue because people weren’t nice to them. Some weren’t fed regularly, while others were kept in cages and neglected.
Travis Gale of Eyes of the Wild introduced exotic animals to Barnegat students including this Arctic Fox. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
As he unveiled the animals from their cases, Gale interacted with the children. They each had a chance to guess what species was about to appear.
The chinchilla was first on the list and the one that the students all had a chance to pet. Gale explained that the chinchilla is recognized for its soft fur coat and is an exceptionally courageous creature. Its defense mechanism involves standing on its hind legs and squirting predators in the face from a distance.
“There’s only one reason that chinchillas are an endangered species,” said Gale. “And that’s because of the world’s most dangerous animal.
Gale told the audience that humans ranked as the most dangerous animal on the planet. He said it takes 200 chinchillas to make a coat. He questioned what other species would contemplate taking the fur from another creature to do such a thing.
The matter came up once more following the introduction of the two alligators. Gale highlighted his opposition to using alligators to produce shoes and belts.
Children learned that, like other foxes, the Arctic fox is a solitary animal that rarely gets together with other animals. However, during winter, the Arctic fox follow polar bears in their natural environment. Surprisingly, the polar bears ignore the smaller creatures without anyone understanding why they do so.
Students were enraptured learning about exotic animals. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Gale took the opportunity to point out that polar bears are one of the most endangered mammals on the planet and said they are disappearing really fast.
“That’s causing the Arctic fox numbers to drop too,” said Gale. “They’re having a harder time making it through the winter. They’re not endangered yet, but their numbers have started going down.”
While acknowledging that no one knows why the Arctic Circle is shrinking, Gale suggested that it didn’t matter. People could help with simple steps like shutting off light switches when they leave a room.
“We can’t totally control nature,” Gale said, “But if we use a little less energy that can help animals that are very far from us.”
Upon seeing Gale produce a banana, students were convinced that the next creature in line would be a monkey. Surprisingly, Charlie, the rainforest porcupine, gladly accepted the banana directly from Gale’s mouth.
Travis Gale and a hedgehog. (Photo by Stephanie Faughnan)
Gale came to the end of his presentation by introducing an African pygmy hedgehog. He pointed out the tiny creature’s identity was clearly spelled out in its name. However, anyone anticipating the animal to showcase Sonic-like speed was in for a surprise. The creature’s movement on the stage was best described as slow and deliberate.
The time allotted for the presentation had the opposite effect – it seemed to move at an accelerated speed. Adults and children laughed and sat on the edge of their seats to take it all in.
One of the parents who later thanked Buccella for the invitation, perfectly summed up the special gathering.
“The presenter was so wonderful and engaging, and it was so nice to see how much the kids really enjoyed today,” wrote the mom.
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