REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS A REAL HIT WITH CHILDREN AT JACKSON PUBLIC LIBRARY

JACKSON -- A baby iguana named "Iggy" made a hit with youngsters attending a Jackson Public Library program on reptiles and amphibians.

A 20-inch red-tailed boa constrictor brought mixed reviews.

Della Hale, manager of Sunny Hill Pet Center in Cape Girardeau, brought a collection of exotic "critters" for the youngsters to see Wednesday.

As Hale talked about the snake, the iguana, the frogs and newts she brought, the children asked questions.

"How did you catch them all?" one youngster asked.

Hale had to admit she hadn't caught them at all. The animals were purchased from a pet supply company in Florida.

"What happens if they escape from their cans?" another child asked. "If they get lost, can you find them?" the child asked.

Hale responded by saying she is very careful not to let the lizards and other animals escape. She told the children the animals are fragile and need special care to survive.

Another youngster, apparently interested in spending more time with the reptiles and amphibians he had just met, asked, "What is their phone number?"

After a chuckle, Hale said she supposed her phone number was the number at the business, and invited the children to visit any time.

Tim Nicholai, 10, of Jackson, was among a group of children attending the program from The Next Generation Day Care in Jackson.

Nicholai said: "I liked petting the iguana and all the other pets. I'd like to have that iguana, but it costs a little too much."

Little "Iggy" sports a price tag of $45.

Josh Tomlin, 9, of Jackson, said: "Mostly I liked the iguana. I really like pets. I had 10 turtles but six escaped. I think that iguana would make a really good pet."

Sammy Jo Elliot, 6, of Jackson, said: "I didn't like the snake. I don't like snakes too much; they will attack you and bite you and you could get sick and die."

Travis Dambach, 8, of Jackson, said: "I liked the snake. I thought it was funny. It stuck its tongue out."

Michael Arnold, 7, of Jackson, said, "I like the snake because it sticks its tongue out."

Clay Pingel, 9, of Jackson, said: "I like the firebelly frog. It was really neat."

Judy Holmes, children's librarian, said Jackson Public Library plans similar programs throughout the summer. "We do this to expose children to things and give them opportunities they might not normally be able to see or do," said Holmes. "Hopefully they will come to the library now and read more about it."

She said books about amphibians and reptiles are on display at the library.

Holmes said 131 children and 26 adults attended Wednesday's program. Usually, the programs attract 150 to 170 children.

She said: "The community, both Jackson and Cape Girardeau, has been very supportive. Without their help, which they provide free of charge, we wouldn't be able to provide these programs. We couldn't ask for better community support."

Other summer programs planned by the library are exotic musical instruments from around the world July 1, an insect demonstration July 8, rocks and minerals July 15, and Mississippian Indian arrowheads and animal bowls July 22.

All activities are planned from 1:30-2:30 p.m.

For more information, call 243-5150.