Kyler Deniz holds a red tail hawk at the Wild Things event, in partnership with the Conservation Ambassadors and the Gridley Friends of the Library. Deniz was chosen to be a volunteer and said, “I couldn’t believe I got to see such a cool animal so up close.” Courtesy photo

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - The Gridley Friends of the Library hosted one of their most popular events June 19, welcoming Gabe Kerschner of Conservation Ambassadors to give local children an up-close look at some truly wild creatures.

The Guardian Building was packed with children and teens eager to see, and in some cases interact with, wildlife they would not typically encounter in their own backyards.

The Wild Things wildlife program, based in Colfax, serves as a conservation ambassador for animals that have been rescued or confiscated after being kept illegally as pets. The organization cares for about 60 displaced species and visits schools, libraries and community events to educate the public about wildlife and conservation.

Kayden, a volunteer from the crowd said, “I’m a little scared” as he awaited his chance to hold the first animal to debut at Friday’s event. Gabe Kerschner from the Conservation Ambassadors program talked this first animal up, saying how skilled a hunter this animal was, before revealing in a pint-sized owl for Kayden to hold. Photo by Seti Long

Gabe Kerschner, director of the program, partnered with the Gridley Friends of the Library to bring the presentation back to Gridley for a fourth consecutive year.

Attendance has continued to grow, requiring larger venues each year. Friday's event filled the available floor space and benches, leaving standing room only for some late arrivals.

Children were encouraged to move to the front of the room for a better view and opportunities to volunteer during the presentation.

Kerschner shared information about each animal, discussing its habitat, behavior and how it came to be part of the Wild Things family.

Kayden was selected from the audience to help introduce Boo, a western screech owl. Children were fascinated by the owl's fixed eyes, which made it appear as though its head could rotate nearly 360 degrees, and by its ability to wave with its wings.

Next, Kerschner introduced Tito, a white-faced capuchin monkey from Costa Rica. He explained how Tito's opposable thumbs on both his hands and feet help him climb and grip branches. Tito's story, from exotic pet to life among other capuchins at the preserve, highlighted why wild animals are not suited for domestic environments.

Capuchin monkey “Tito” had the crowd laughing as he hung upside down and jumped all over his handler, Gabe Kerschner. Photo by Seti Long

The program also featured a skunk, a red-tailed hawk, a snake and a tarantula named Rosey.

Cohen Waite, who attended with his family, said the snake was his favorite animal.

"The snake was the coolest animal because I got to pet it," Waite said. "It felt like it had shed its skin, so it was smooth."

Another volunteer, 10-year-old Kyler Deniz, had the opportunity to hold the red-tailed hawk.

"It was super cool holding the red-tailed hawk and I had no idea how heavy it would be and how fierce his eyes were," Deniz said. "I couldn't believe I got to see such a cool animal so up close."

The event once again provided an educational and entertaining experience for local families through the efforts of the Gridley Friends of the Library.

For more information about Conservation Ambassadors and the Wild Things program, visit http://wildthingsoutreach.org/events.