 ANIMAL CAMP WENT FROM SEA HORSES TO SHOW HORSES Palm Beach Post -- Thursday, August 30, 2001 By: Sharon Wernlund, Palm Beach Post Staff Writer This summer, the "All About Animals" camp in Fort Pierce brought 31 youngsters, ages 5 to 13, together with critters ranging from fish to horses to snakes. Sponsored by the St. Lucie County Cooperative Extension Office and 4-H Program, this first-time camp of tours, activities and outdoor adventures was fun as well as educational for young animal lovers. "What we were trying to do was introduce these kids to all kinds of animals -- the everyday as well as the exotics and the ones they only see on television," said Sue Munyan, extension agent for 4-H/Agriculture. "We also wanted to foster an awareness of the importance of protecting the places where these animals live," says Munyan. "We all share this world together. We need to take care of these animals and the environment." The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Quarantine Center in Fort Pierce offered a chance for campers to see pipe fish, sea horses and other marine life in holding tanks before their transfer to the Smithsonian Marine Station's educational exhibits. After that, it was time to snorkel to catch other underwater sights at the Bathtub Reef Park. One day, they seined with nets to gather and study marine samples in the Indian River Lagoon and learned about the importance of the seagrasses to sustain the fish and animal populations. On another day, youngsters trekked to the Double R Arena for barrel-racing and show-jumping demonstrations as well as horseback rides. A visit to Midway Animal Hospital showed them what veterinarians do. Campers also toured Fort Pierce Westwood High's Veterinary Assisting Academy and witnessed a show of dog agility. Local experts at a reptile exhibit taught them about Florida's poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes. Several friendly snakes, such as the rainbow python, were on hand to touch. Okeechobee was their destination for sheep herding by border collies and an abundance of wildlife in their native habitat. Arnold's Exotics, a wildlife rehabilitation center, gave kids the rare chance to see foxes, owls, fawns and even a baby kangaroo. "All About Animals" was held July 23-27. Youngsters aptly celebrated their last day of camp with a trip to Orlando's "Animal Kingdom." Copyright (c) 2001, The Palm Beach Post |