6 Mar 2007 - Animals Hit Redhills
Jack Pressman returned on the 28th February to stun students with amazing facts about animals and showed the staff and pupils an array of remarkable animals.Jack runs his own business based in Totnes. He and his team of two other workers visit over 200 schools in the southwest every year.
He displayed an early interest in animals at a young age when he collected unusual pets like snakes and frogs. He then went on to doing voluntary work at local zoos and animal parks.
The first animal to be brought in was Brian the Giant African Land Snail. Growing up to 30cm and living for up to 15years, this snail is an essential source of calcium for rainforest predators. Humans also eat this shy creature because they are good sources of protein. He is a cold-blooded mini beast with an external skeleton-his shell.
Secondly, Lisa the Leopard Gecko made her appearance. Although she is currently 12years old, geckos can live up to 30years! In a chase situation she is able to shed her entire tail, which contains all of her fat resources. This tail then takes about a year to regenerate. Female geckos lay around 2-3 eggs.
Next, Boo the Barn Owl soared in. Although we were warned that he may 'mess' on the floor we didn't actually expect her to do it! Their habitat is in the rafters and beams of barns, however many of these old buildings are being knocked down, causing the population to fall.
Finally, Gordon the Gopher made his debut appearance at Redhills. This rodent, also known as the Ground Squirrel, originated from North America. They are able to have up to 8 babies at a time and are born with their eyes shut which when opened are pink. When threatened Gophers make a barking sound to ward off any predators.
We would like to thank Jack for letting us interview him and show us all these unusual animals. THANK YOU, JACK!
By James Letten, Megan Wilson-Taylor and Reanne Kingdon.
Next, Boo the Barn Owl soared in. Although we were warned that he may 'mess' on the floor we didn't actually expect her to do it! Their habitat is in the rafters and beams of barns, however many of these old buildings are being knocked down, causing the population to fall.
Finally, Gordon the Gopher made his debut appearance at Redhills. This rodent, also known as the Ground Squirrel, originated from North America. They are able to have up to 8 babies at a time and are born with their eyes shut which when opened are pink. When threatened Gophers make a barking sound to ward off any predators.
We would like to thank Jack for letting us interview him and show us all these unusual animals. THANK YOU, JACK!
By James Letten, Megan Wilson-Taylor and Reanne Kingdon.