Harrisville Public Library hosted Freedom Ranch Wildlife Center in Purvis, MS for their second of four events in the Summer Reading Program. The center houses a variety of animals and never disappoints.
Krissy Hamilton brought her A game with five different critters to the Harrisville Fire Department Tuesday, June 10 to a group of nearly 100 in attendance, from toddlers to older adults. For an hour she shared general knowledge, answered questions, and allowed touches of some.
First on deck was Banana Jane, an albino ball python. She is yellow and white in color and may live to be 30 years old. An interesting fact about the ball python is they use their tongues to taste the air, learning about their environment. Several children enjoyed the opportunity to touch Banana Jane, and some did not, along with most of the adults.
Maverick took the stage next, a peregrine falcon, also known as a raptor; it is a bird of prey. Maverick was hit by a car somewhere along the Mississippi Gulf Coast and no longer is able to fly. However, if he could he would fly at 60 miles an hour into the sky and drop 240 miles an hour in search of his meal. While Maverick has very sharp talons to claw his prey, this falcon can also curl toes like a fist and punch the bird in the sky.
Always a favorite to the summer reading crowd is the vulture Hamilton brings. This year kids saw Mariah as up close and personal as possible. She has a near six feet wingspan and weighs about four and a half pounds at 10 years old. Hamilton always shares the fact that because the acid in the belly of a turkey vulture is like battery acid, the urine from the vulture is as clean as hand sanitizer. The name Mariah means “wind”.
Number four in the lineup was Ruby, a Scarlet Macaw and the most dangerous animal at the wildlife center according to Hamilton. Ruby is very emotional, follows commands and gives kisses; however, she can break an arm and her bites are painful. She is a diva, likes to have her photo taken as well as look at photos of herself. Ruby and Hamilton have been together for 17 years.
Tank is a six banded armadillo and wrapped up the presentation. There are 20 different species and they are all located in South America with the exception of one who made it to the United States. They are gentle animals as was evident when Hamilton placed him on the floor guiding him along the line of children seated to pet Tank. He is about three years old and can live as long as 20 years.
The program closed with an ice cream party furnished by Harrisville Community Church.
Sponsors for this year’s program include W-W Sheet Metal and Gutters, Simpson General Hospital, Williams Good Ole Days Buffet, Simpson County Development Foundation, Harrisville Masonic Lodge, Howard Technology Solutions, New Covenant Church, Harrisville Community Church, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center and Mississippi Children’s Museum.
