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A zoo out there
Leonard Kirtz students visit animals because it was ...
By christine keeling
austintown
Derek Bennet of Youngstown giggled as a pygmy goat nibbled his fingers.
The 6-year-old was one of many Leonard Kirtz School students who got up-close and personal with a variety of animals Friday, during a petting-zoo exhibit on the school’s playground.
“Derek is visually impaired,” said Cathy Bertelli, a school teaching assistant. “So he’s listening and touching today.”
Theresa Sullivan, physical- therapy assistant, wanted the children to have something to touch, see and do when she planned the event.
“Kids with special needs learn best with hands-on experience,” she said.
Derek got to feel the hard shell of a turtle and heard ducks moving about, while others enjoyed seeing a wide array of farmyard animals including a pot-bellied pig, a sheep and roosters.
Ashlen Deal, 10, of North Jackson stopped at each station and closely watched the animals, while other children looked to them for answers.
“What are you doing?” Leon Mick, 7, of Youngs-town, asked the llama.
“Who’s in there?” inquired Briana Barb, 10, of Youngstown, to the Chick-fil-A cow, who remained silent, but playful. The mascot greeted children as they entered the petting area and handed out plush cows for them to take home.
“We travel to people,” said Christine Coler, owner of The Barn YardPetting Zoo and Pony Rides in Salem. “Because they can’t get to the farm all the time.”
The event, which was paid for with money generated through fundraising, was one of several activities the school has planned for its students to celebrate its monthlong Thanksgiving theme.