ELIZABETHTOWN — Like the reptiles exhibited within, a serpentine queue wound its way through and down the sidewalk of the Elizabethtown Social Center to view, interact with, and learn about fauna not found within the North Country.
The snakes, lizards and furry creatures were furnished by Lena the Lizard Lady who regularly brings her friends to events throughout the North Country.
Approximately a dozen snakes and a similar amount of lizards and assorted turtles were showcased with information concerning their breeds, and habitats.
SLOTHS AND SNAKES AND PRAIRIE DOGS
The event’s most popular creature was a two-toed Linnaeus sloth; a species found in countries such as Venezuela, Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil. Not including the tail, they generally are from 20 to 36 inches long while weighing 10 to 25 pounds, with shades of brown fur.
These herbivores are known for their slow rate of metabolism which limits food intake, and defecation as well as movement.
Another main attraction was a prairie dog, though considered exotic in the North Country is common in the western part of the U.S. as well as Mexico and Canada. While given the appellation of “dog” due to their barking sound, they are chubby rodents that average one pound and are 12 to 16 inches in length including their stubby tails.
Literally the largest and most colorful attraction was a brilliant sunglow boa constrictor. This cross-bred reptile, which can grow to 10 feet or more, is not found as such in nature but is generally sold as a household pet.
ANIMAL BOOKS
In addition to viewing the animals, other activities included creating artwork, writing short stories and writing poems. On hand to encourage them was children’s book author Linda Marshall.
Marshall’s approximately 30 books include a wide range of subjects from naturalist Bob Marshall (no relation) to “Rainbow Weaver” which depicts a young Mayan girl whose family cannot afford material for her to learn to weave so she improvises by collecting plastic bags.
Science-related stories include biographies of Dr. Jonas Salk as well as, “Sisters in Science,” which details the lives of Marie Curie and her sibling, Bronia Dluska. In addition, Marshall’s oeuvre embraces her Jewish heritage with Yiddish folktales such as, “Good Night Wind.”
Among the encouraged literary contributions was this by an anonymous young author (judging by the handwriting) which said, “I wish I were a crystal. I would sparkle and shine and bring more brightness into the world.”
The Elizabethtown Social Center partnered with the ADK Center for Writing to deliver this presentation.