Brandon Twp.- Mike Kohlrieser is bringing the rain forest here.
The founder of Understanding Wildlife, a non-profit organization, will present the animal-filled show, ‘The Rain Forest? at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on March 5 at Harvey Swanson Elementary School, 209 Varsity Drive and at the same times on March 6 at Belle Ann Elementary, 155 E. Glass Road. Admission is $5. Children under 3 are admitted free.
The unique program features domestic-born animals that are found in the rain forest, including tropical birds, snakes, monkeys, alligators, and a 4-month-old chimpanzee.
‘The kids and even the adults will be surprised,? Kohlrieser said. ‘The animals have amazing personalities and people see how smart and brilliant they are. The kids go wild and adults really get into the program, too.?
The goal of the program is to get children excited about conservation and taking care of the earth, but through a fun show, not a lecture. Birds will fly overhead and talk into a microphone and there are surprises in store.
‘We really hold the audience’s attention and while we have it, we’re able to sneak in facts about conservation and what we can do to make a difference,? said Kohlrieser, who became educated through the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators, founded Understanding Wildlife in 1992 and is federally licensed to have all his animals. He puts on 450-500 programs a year.
The animal handler will talk about the many beneficial things that come from the rain forest, including medicines, and how those things won’t be available in the future if the rain forests aren’t preserved.
‘All too often we don’t realize what we have until it’s gone,? he said. ‘We have less rain forest today than yesterday, there will be less tomorrow. Everyone needs to chip in and do their part.?