By Becky Holland
Children and families packed the meeting room at the Tessie W. Norris/Cochran-Bleckley Library on Tuesday morning as Georgia Untamed Zoo brought a variety of live animals to Cochran as part of the Summer Reading Program.
The educational program drew a large crowd eager to learn about animals from around the world while getting an up-close look at creatures many had only seen in books or on television.
Children quickly warmed up to “Mamaw,” the Georgia Untamed Zoo presenter who introduced each animal while sharing interesting facts and answering questions from the crowd.
Throughout the program, attendees met a bird with plenty of personality, a large cockroach, a tortoise named after a famous ballet dancer, a hedgehog and a ferret. Children listened attentively as they learned about each animal’s habitat, diet and unique characteristics.
As the animals made their appearances, children scooted closer, raised their hands to answer questions and reacted with everything from laughter to wide-eyed amazement.
One of the crowd favorites was a white cockatoo that seemed to enjoy being the center of attention. The hedgehog and ferret also drew plenty of interest as children learned more about the animals and had opportunities to see them up close.
The biggest reaction of the morning came when Bruno, a five-foot ball python, made his appearance. Gasps, squeals and excited chatter filled the room as Mamaw carefully introduced the large snake and shared facts about the species.
Despite a few nervous looks, many children were fascinated by Bruno and eagerly watched as the python was displayed for the audience.
The interactive presentation combined entertainment with education, giving children a hands-on learning experience while encouraging curiosity about wildlife and conservation.
Georgia Untamed Zoo, based in Hogansville, travels throughout Georgia providing educational animal programs for schools, libraries and community organizations.
The event was part of the Ocmulgee Regional Library System’s Summer Reading Program and was one of several special activities planned at the Tessie W. Norris/Cochran-Bleckley Library this summer.
Photos by Becky Holland/The Ledger.
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