Cockroaches, Birds and a Snake, Oh My!

A myriad of animals made a special appearance at Irle Elementary and the Children's Museum in Glasgow on March 22. Executive Director Jeff Ewelt from Zoo Montana, Billings, brought cockroaches, a bull snake, an opossum, a laughing kookaburra bird and a great horned owl from the zoo, providing much entertainment to area children and parents.

Ewelt and his animals first made an appearance at Irle Elementary in the afternoon speaking to children in grades kindergarten through third grade, providing many facts. The presentation was very interactive, requiring the students to answer questions regarding the animals' habitats, how they obtain food and lifespan. The children knew many of the answers to the questions Ewelt asked, prompting him to exclaim these students were, "the best audience he has ever had."

In the evening, the Children's Museum was a full house, filled with some repeat audience members from earlier in the day. The children had such a great time during the presentation at school, they brought their parents and older siblings to enjoy the wonders of these animals. During this presentation, Ewelt was able to bring animals around for audience members to touch and admire, including the cockroaches and the bull snake. The kookaburra bird was also able to make his signature laugh, with assistance from the audience.

Ewelt and the community would like to extend a thank you to the Glasgow High School Student Council who raised the funds to allow Ewelt and his animals to come to Glasgow.