Fun At The Zoo

So...today from 8:30 to 4:30 I've been at the Zoo doing Zoo Camp. Fun... I had two classes, both ages 9 to 11. (one from 8:30 to 12:15 and another from 1:00 to 4:15; there were about 20-22 kids in each class) The theme of the Zoo Camp is "The Zoo-mazing Race." Everyday we go to a new "continent" to see the animals that would live on the continent. For example: Today was North America. We went to see the alligators, goats, pot-belly pig, chickens and the Reptile House. When we went back to the Education Building, a zoo-keeper brought an American Kestrel that was tethered to a post for the kids to gawk at. (If you don't know what an American Kestrel is, it is the smallest falcon in North America (and maybe the world) and is very beautiful. For more info: go HERE. If you just want a picture go HERE or HERE. ) We also did a very in-depth craft, and my hands are STILL aching from that.

So anyways, the kids were split up among the volunteers into groups of 4-5 via picking out a colored bracelet from a bag. After picking out either a blue, orange, yellow or green bracelet, the volunteers then picked out a bracelet to see which group of kids they got. In my morning class I had the sweetest group of kids. There was one little Indian boy who insisted on holding my hand and educated me about the differences between alligators and crocodiles. In my afternoon class I got stuck with the most energetic and enthusiastic girl in the group. I'll call her Summer. Summer is not too pleased with me, considering I kept her from doing things that were "fun". Like jumping off of handrails. Which they were told, about 30 times, NOT to do. So, I kept her from breaking her neck and she doesn't like me. Oh well.

So I learned something interesting. Even though the American Alligator's number have increased since it was put on the endangered species list, it remains there because most people don't know the difference between alligators and crocodiles. And crocodiles ARE endangered. So, people aren't allowed to shoot at either. Here are some ways that you can tell the difference between alligators and crocodiles:

1. You can't see an alligator's teeth when it's mouth is closed; its lower teeth fit snugly into pits in the upper jaw. In contrast, a crocodile's lower teeth are always visible.
2. Alligators have broad, rounded snouts while crocodiles have thinner, more narrow snouts.
3. Alligators tend to be grayish black while crocodiles are more of a light tan
4. In the wild, alligators are known to run away while crocodiles have legendary tempers.
5. For more information go HERE
6. Picture of a CROCODILE.
7. Picture of a AMERICAN ALLIGATOR
   

No matter if it is an alligator or a crocodile, always keep your distance (and don't attack them because they ARE protected and the government will press charges. For a full list of endangered species, how you can help and other information, go HERE.) Don't be an idiot and approach either an alligator or a crocodile. *eye roll* If you are the unlucky recipient of a alligator charge, grab a stick, or a leafy branch if possible and touch the tip of it's snout. This will cause it to freeze. Because alligators cannot see straight, they freeze to find out what is touching them. You can guide the alligator away by touching either the right or left side of the snout, depending on which way you want them to go.

Safety rocks, doesn't it? Haha, well, Imma go now, so I'll see you gators later! [no pun intended ^^]

Much love
Bee