The first animal Derek introduced us to was a very vocal friend. Syd, a MOLUCCAN COCKATOO, has the important job of helping the rain forest grow. Syd is native to the Malacca Islands (near Indonesia). These islands are quickly disappearing as humans have chopped down the trees, causing the soil to wash away. Syd is the only living thing helping the island. By eating seeds, nuts, berries, and plants, and then flying to a new location, he is able to deposit the seeds directly into the ground, allowing trees to regrow on the island. Unfortunately, this beautiful, helpful species, is listed as critically endangered due to loss of habitat.
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| Syd did a great job modeling how his eating habits help our ecosystem! |
Once Syd was safely in his cage, Derek brought out an AMERICAN ALLIGATOR. While he isn't very big, (this 12 year old alligator is only about the size of a 2-3 year old wild alligator), his jaw packs about 700 pounds of pressure! Alligators have the important job of feeding on invasive species, who would otherwise cause a lot of damage to the wetlands. Alligators also tunnel deep depressions that provide reservoirs during droughts. These "gator holes" can be a source of lifesaving water for fish, birds, turtles, and other creatures.
The next animal we were introduced to was the COATIMUNDI, which is native to South America. The coatimundi is an omnivore. Like the cockatoo, a coatimundi helps the environment by spreading speeds. We learned (and witnessed) how these animals pick up the scraps left by other animals (she sure enjoyed Syd's leftover apple pieces!). They are also responsible for digging up the dirt looking for bugs and insects, which makes it easier for seeds to grow.
Once the coati mundi was placed back in its carrier, Derek introduced us to a grade-wide favorite, the BENNET'S WALLABY! Savannah, a member of the kangaroo family, is an herbivore. Her job is to eat plants (the flower part, not the roots) and then let the seed come out her other end. Wallabies take this digestive process one step farther by then stepping in their poop, which in turn plants the seed allowing for a new plant to grow!
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| While much too old to need to travel by pouch, Savannah sure loves the cozy, warm, memory of her mama! |
The next animals we were introduced to were actually insects. These MADAGASCAR HISSING COCKROACHES are responsible for breaking down decaying plants, which gives us the richest compost. These cockroaches love warm, moist, dark places. When we were very quiet, we could hear their "hissssss". Derek recruited a brave second grader to help show off these tiny creatures!
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| Hoping that cockroach holds on tight! |
The final animal we were introduced to, which holds a special place in my heart, was a CHINCHILLA! Native to the Andes Mountain Range, these animals are their own farmers! They have the ability to grow their own food! Living in a volcanic habitat, their food source is often wiped out by lava flow. To rebuild their home, chinchillas hop down the mountains, eat plants, hop back up the mountain, poop (up to 50 times a day!) and use their large back feed to "plant" the discarded seeds. Pretty impressive for little balls of fluff!
After meeting this chinchilla, I was excited to share with our class that I used to be the owner of a pet chinchilla! While I would not recommend having a chinchilla as a pet (they are very active, social animals who require a LOT of attention!), Willy was a wonderful addition to my home for a very long time!
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After meeting all of Derek's animal friends and learning all of this fascinating information, Derek allowed students to use a "two-finger touch" to pet the cockroach and the chinchilla. So fun!
Thank you Wildlife Encounters for bringing such a great presentation to us to culminate our earth science unit!
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