Rescued reptiles make a classroom visit, teach lessons of responsibility

By PATRICIA STEELE, DAILY SUN

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 12:19 AM EST

THE VILLAGES — When Brian Gill was a kid he loved “critters” of all kinds, according to his father, Terry Gill.

On Monday morning, Brian shared his love of critters great and small with first-graders at The Villages Elementary of Lady Lake. He brought several animals from his Cool Critters Outreach animal-rescue program for the children to meet.

The children squealed with delight as Big Pappa, a bearded dragon, climbed on Brian’s shoulder. A chorus of laughter greeted his plopping the dragon on first-grader Izzy Dauderaus’ head.

Terry Gill, a Village of Belvedere

resident, said Brian never had lizards, spiders and snakes at home, but when his son moved into his own place, his first pet was a snake.

Brian’s menagerie grew. Now, he operates Cool Critters Outreach, an animal rescue that offers educational programs at schools, birthday parties and other events near his home in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“I have about 70 different critters, including alligators, lizards, scorpions, snakes and other critters in my house,” Brian told the children. “Every now and again it gets crowded, so I share with other wildlife facilities.”

He explained that Fluffy, a rescued 5-year-old alligator, needed to be outside, but he could never be released into the wild because he was too

familiar with people.

That’s a need Fluffy’s new Florida home can meet. The creatures live naturally, but are still protected.

“Many people think they want a pet alligator or lizard, then realize they don’t have the space or the time to take care of them,” Brian said. “That’s how I end up with them.”

Brian ended up at the Lady Lake school because teacher Traci Oliver learned about the program from Brian’s mother, Linda, during a field trip.

“We started talking, and she told me about Brian; and I said if he ever came to Florida with his reptiles, I would like him to visit our class,” Oliver said.

When Brian planned his trip to bring Fluffy south, he contacted Oliver.

“Brian’s being here is such a great benefit to the children,” Oliver said.

“Many of these children will never have a chance to see an alligator or bearded dragon up close.”

The educational program brings to life Oliver’s classroom lessons on reptiles and their habitats.

“We talk about reptiles and their habitats,” Oliver said. “But being able to see and touch an alligator or have a lizard on your head makes all the difference for these children.”

Six-year-old Jaleigha Dunlap’s big brown eyes lit up as she talked about getting up close to an alligator.

“He was kind of scary, and his skin was bumpy, and he was cool, I mean his skin.

Brian explained to the children that some reptiles can make good pets, but it’s important to know about the animal and its needs.

He explained that even though Big Pappa was small, he needs a lot of space to run.

“He’s from the desert, so his habitat has to be kept about 85 degrees, and he has to have sunshine every day to help process his food,” Brian said. “People think they are cool, because of the way they look, and they are cool, but you just have to know what you’re getting into.”

And alligators never make good pets, Brian said. They grow up to 15 feet long and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. “That does not make a good pet,” he said.

Patricia Steele is a reporter with the Daily Sun. She can be reached at 753-1119, ext. 7992, or patricia.steele@the

villagesmedia.com.