Frank Ohl students meet exotic animals

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Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Fifth-grader Brandee Buckley holds a small alligator as she volunteers during Jungle Terry's program at Frank Ohl.

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Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Mariah Rovnak (left) and Jackie Muccio get a close look at a 16-year-old box turtle that was raised by “Jungle Terry” Sullivan.

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Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Jungle Terry Sullivan teaches students at Frank Ohl Middle School about how snakes use their skin to slither as he shows them a Burmese Python.

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Neighbors | Pam Jadue.Frank Ohl fifth -graders (front left clockwise) Jimmy Geidner, James Snyder, Cameron Kelty, Angelo Vitullo, Mikaela Catania, Adrian Willoughby and Hope Sudol pose with a snake during the Jungle Terry program at Frank Ohl Intermediate School.

Snakes, alligators and skunks, oh my!

The fifth-grade students at Frank Ohl Intermediate School were treated to an up-close and personal look at some exotic creatures they would otherwise not have the opportunity to meet.

“Jungle Terry” Sullivan paid a visit to the school with a menagerie of creatures that delighted the students gathered in the school gymnasium. During the 45-minute program, students were introduced to a variety of animals including an alligators, snakes, a chinchilla and a skunk.

Everyone got a close look at the animals as they learned interesting facts about the creatures raised by Jungle Terry. He gave descriptions of the animal’s origins and habits as each was introduced to the group.

The creatures came in many sizes. Some were small like the hedgehog that fit in the palm of his hand. He instructed the students on the proper handling of the animals as they had a chance to gently pet the small visitor.

The students took advantage of the opportunities to touch many of the animals, including a large Burmese Python that took eight students working together to lift.

“Jungle Terry” owns more than 100 animals that he cares for at his home in Ashtabula. He explained to the assembly that he does shows every day and rotates the animals to give them a break.

“These are my pets,” Sullivan remarked.

“Jungle Terry” has been raising animals in his home all of his life. Students were curious about life with so many animals. As they were given the opportunity to ask questions, Sullivan explained.

“Growing up, my mom rescued animals and it was normal for me to have many kinds of animals. Dogs and cats weren’t normal. I wanted to bring the animals to people so that they could learn about them.”