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The Zoo Man Brings Reptile Camp to Marshall
The excitement and energy filled the room on July 14 as campers gathered at SWWC in Marshall for a summer Reptile Camp with The Zoo Man. Eighteen wide-eyed, enthusiastic campers proudly wore their Zoo Man Reptile Camp T-shirts as they explored the fascinating world of turtles, tortoises, and snakes from around the world.
Campers learned firsthand about three yellow-bellied slider turtles. What they eat, how they live, the proper way to safely hold them - hamburger style - and how to pick them up without getting scratched by a claw or two. These aquatic turtles live in the southeastern United States, including Florida, and can grow quite large and live for many years.
The star of Reptile Camp was Princess Lisa, an African spurred tortoise. While feeding Princess Lisa, lettuce, campers admired and touched her beautiful, pyramid-shaped patterns on her shell that resemble intricate wood carvings. More layers will appear as she grows. Campers were amazed to learn that African spurred tortoises can reach enormous sizes and may live long enough to outlive two generations of people.
The most oohs and aahs filled the room when The Zoo Man brough out those slithering, coiling reptiles. He entertained and educated the campers by introducing them to small, medium, and large snakes. The campers had snakes hung over their shoulders sneaking into their hair to find comfort and some around their wrists, while others just kept them coiled in their hands. The campers were able to hold and pet two corn snakes, an albino royal python, five larger ball pythons, Big Josh the red-tailed boa constrictor from South America, and Whisper, a 10-foot green Burmese python who was also shedding; providing another exciting new experience for the campers by giving them a chance to see what that process looks and feels like.
More oohs filled the room when the students learned Razor and Roxie, two royal pythons produced Natasha and Glenda. Their family story helped the campers learn about reptile breeding, eggs, and the life cycle of a python.
One of the most unforgettable snakes was a royal python, named Toilet Bowl. He earned his name after being discovered in a basement bathroom in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Remarkably he survived the sewer system, before The Zoo Man was called to safely rescue him. Today, Toilet Bowl serves as one of The Zoo Man’s unusual reptile ambassadors, showed the campers just how resilient and adaptable snakes can be—and why finding one in your bathroom is an experience you will never forget!
Big Josh, red-tailed boa constrictor, also had a rescue story of his own. He was rescued from a home in Fulda, Minnesota, and later became part of The Zoo Man’s reptile family. Whisper became part of The Zoo Man’s family for a very different and heartfelt reason. She was donated by a father whose child was born with special needs. Unable to no longer care for Whisper, he trusted The Zoo Man to provide her with a safe home and a meaningful new purpose. Today, Big Josh and Whisper help educate children at camps and reminds everyone that many reptiles need knowledgeable, responsible homes and turning one family’s difficult decision into countless moments of wonder, excitement, and joy through learning experiences.
Every reptile has a unique story of its own, and The Zoo Man made sure each camper had the opportunity to ask questions and experience these incredible animals up close to learn more about them.
It was a wonderful morning filled with education, excitement, laughter, and unforgettable reptile adventures!
