I sigh and think, "All the animals packed away so nicely in the cabin". It's true, I've been aching to get them back into the nature center for weeks--since I started even--, but I wasn't truly conscious of the organizational skills required to move a dozen different species. However unprepared I was for the move today, I barreled through the process of clunking heavy glass containers down narrow stairs (with some tough men to help), gathering food items, fixing heat lamps, tearing down and setting up tiny environments for the critters I've come to love so much. When someone shows up for an afternoon business meeting, there's a break from talks of contracts and time for a short tour. I jump at the first chance to get a snake into the hands of this visiting young gentleman.
He watches Snakely constrict around his arm, flicking her tongue up the cuff of his sweater, as I prattle off interesting facts about ball pythons, unable to help myself. I guess teaching never really leaves you. I love the look on someone's face when they get a special chance to pet or hold any of the animals, especially the snakes. Sometimes people are afraid of them. I understand this and would never push anyone beyond the certainty of their comfort level. But sometimes, just sometimes, when the child next to them reaches out bravely, without hesitation, to stroke their curious skin, I see them consider it for a moment. If I'm really lucky, they'll screw up their courage and give a lightning-quick swipe down the snake's back with a single finger. A heroic moment for any naturalist.
Photo courtesy of Psaenz on DeviantArt
*Most of the animals have returned to the nature center for your viewing pleasure. Please don't mind the mess!
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