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Neighbors | Jessica Harker .A volunteer fed Franklin, a red-footed tortoise, carrots with the help of Outback Ray on June 6 at the Poland library.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker .Children got to pet an armadillo as part of the Amazing Animal Show hosted by Outback Ray at the Poland library.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker .The Poland library hosted Outback Ray and his Amazing Animal Show June 6, where Ray showed off his armadillo, which he said is the only one in a private collection in Ohio.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker .Outback Ray held the red-footed tortoise, named Franklin, showing off to the community members gathered to watch his Amazing Animal Show at the Poland library.
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Neighbors | Jessica Harker .Outback Ray's Amazing Animal Show visited the Poland library on June 6, showing off Buddy, the Sudan Plated Lizard, to the community members gathered for the show.
By JESSICA HARKER
Outback Ray’s Amazing Animal Show visited the Poland library on June 6.
Librarian Karen Steed said that this was the library’s kick off event for the Summer Reading Program.
“We are just so excited to have him come,” Steed said. “The kids really love it.”
At the event, more than 80 children and families were in attendance.
Outback Ray, a performer based out of Cleveland, showed off his unique private collection of animals to the community members gathered.
“It’s a way to get children engaged with animals, and to battle that fear of the unknown a lot of them have,” he said.
During the event, children watched as Outback Ray brought out his variety of animals for them to see.
Franklin, the red-footed tortoise, Ziggy, a Northern Blue Tongue Skink, and even an armadillo made an appearance during the show. As Outback Ray brought out each animal, he told the crowd facts about its environment, diet and even how rare it is in certain cases.
Children were called up as assistants during the event, giving them the chance to feed and pet the unique animals.
Steed said that for years Outback Ray has been a staple at the Mahoning County library branches.
“He’s great and very entertaining, we love having him come back here,” Steed said.
For more information on upcoming library events, go to www.libraryvisit.org.