Several pupils got to interact with the animals.

Several pupils got to interact with the animals.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Pupils at Boardman Center Middle School got a feel for animals they are not likely to see hanging around their neighborhoods as pets.
Peter Gros, co-host of the "Wild Kingdom" TV program, paid a visit to the school with a trailer of animals in tow Thursday afternoon.
The visit was a promotional event for the Wild Kingdom Kids' Summit essay contest. Children write essays about preserving wildlife and the winner goes to the summit in May 2005 in Los Angeles and gets to visit the Los Angeles Zoo.
Principal Randy Ebie said the visit also is an attempt by teachers to increase pupil awareness of endangered species and the harmony between nature and modern development.
Gros and several assistants brought along snakes, spiders, an alligator, a large turtle, a badger, a baboon and a tiger cub. The team offered explanations on the life and habits of each animal as it came across stage before the students.
Only a few pupils could be invited to the stage to touch, hold or interact with each animal. But, every mention of the word volunteer drew hands from virtually every fifth- and sixth-grade pupil in the school auditorium.
Snake
Fifth-grader Erin Lorimer was selected to hold an unannounced animal and eagerly took the stage.
When Gros pulled a medium-size snake from its travel case, however, she extended no hand to receive the reptile. With coaxing from Gros, Erin eventually did hold the snake while Gros explained its importance in nature to the pupils.
The pupils served as volunteers to assist with each of the animals except the alligator. The alligator, 12 feet in length, was handled and held by three handlers.
Gros said animals were selected from various zoos after discussions with zoo personnel about the most appropriate animals to bring. He said the animals shown were all "bottle raised," used to being around people, and suitable for a classroom setting, but Gros warned the pupils that no wild animal is suitable to be kept as a family pet.
Fortunate
He told the children how fortunate they are to live in an area with a good amount of wide open space. He also told them they are an important factor in maintaining a healthy environment and helping the planet recover from any past damage.
"We demystify wild animals," he said. "We teach respect and understanding about wildlife and encourage outdoor activities."
Pupils and parents can go to www.wildkingdom.com Web site and click on "Kids" to find out more information about the Wild Kingdom essay contest.
jgoodwin@vindy.com