Snakes, turtles an alligator and several other reptiles participated in an informational meet-and-greet last week with local youth at Bruton Memorial Library.
The library invited Bruce Shwedick, a Plant City native and creator of Reptile Discovery, to bring some of his favorite animals to the event. The room was packed as children and their parents gathered to learn more about the animals, the importance of conservation and listen to Shwedick share stories of his youth.
Shwedick created Reptile Discovery in 1994 and has visited more than 1,000 schools across 45 states over the years. Once he shared anecdotes and facts about each animal he invited a handful of the children gathered to come up and gently pet the creatures.
Though the meeting ran for well over an hour, Shwedick kept their attention and after a long line formed as kids waited to get a photo with one of his snakes.
It was also Shwedick’s 60th birthday so Youth Services Associate Amanda Preece presented him with a card and passed out cupcakes for the festive attendees.