Lobby Party, Animals, & Family Fun at The Niswonger
What better way to spend a Sunday than with animals at a matinee? It's going to get a little wild at The Niswonger this Sunday at 3:00 p.m. The Wild World of Animals star lineup includes arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Zoologist Grant Kemmerer brings about 16 guests to each show ranging from a leopard, monkey, wolf, cobra, and more. This amazing family show presented by Jeffery-Mohr Family Dentistry aims to bring entertainment and education. The animals presented were born in captivity and are facilitated by a moderator and guide. While these animals still have their natural instincts and are not pets, they do not fear humans allowing for safe interactions. Kemmerer stresses the importance of each animal, and educates the audience on the loss of useable habitats leading to endangered species.
Here are just a few fun facts that demonstrate what the audience will learn at Wild World of Animals at The Niswonger on Sunday.
Q. What is the fastest land animal in North America? (Bison, Pronghorn antelope, Wolf, Mountain lion)
A. Pronghorn antelope. Until approximately 12,000 years ago, there lived an American cheetah which hunted on the plains where pronghorn antelope still live. Maintaining speeds as fast as its African relative, the pronghorn adapted to try and outrun the American cheetah by hitting speeds of 65 mph.
Q. What is the largest/heaviest bird in the world? (Wandering albatross, Harpy eagle, Wild turkey, Ostrich)
A. Ostrich. An ostrich can stand 9 feet tall and weigh 350 lbs. An egg can weigh 5 pounds. Due to their large size, they cannot fly but they are one of the fastest animals on the African savanna, clocking in at close to 50 mph. If cornered, their kick is so powerful it could kill a lion.
Q. What is the largest rodent in the world? (Tapir, Chupacabre, Beaver, Capybara)
A. Capybara. The beaver is the largest rodent in North America with records of animals weighing over 100 pounds. This rivals the capybara which might hit 120 pounds, but on average a big male beaver weighs closer to 40-50 pounds. If you answered chupacabra, you are watching too much television.
Q. A bird’s feathers and the hair on your head are made from the same thing, true or false?
A. True - Feathers, hair, antlers, hooves, and a rhinoceros horn are all made of a protein called keratin.
Q. What is the fastest animal on the planet? (Sailfish, Thompson gazelle, Cheetah, Peregrine falcon)
A. Peregrine falcon. The sailfish is the fastest fish in the ocean (68 mph) and the cheetah is the fastest on land (70 mph), but the peregrine has been clocked hitting speeds of over 200 mph.
Wild World of Animals has 30 years of experience working with and caring for wild animalsGrant Kemmerer has been working with, training, and caring for wildlife for over 30 years. Since childhood, he has always been fascinated with animals of every kind. After graduating from Florida International University, he started working professionally with animals in Miami, FL. He holds many state permits as well as federal permits from US Fish and Wildlife, US Department of the Interior, and the US Department of Agriculture. He has been a guest animal expert on nationally televised shows such as Anderson Cooper, CBS Early Show, Fox and Friends, Martha Stewart, and the Meredith Vieira Show.
The more we know the more we value the creatures that inhabit the world around us. Edu-entertainment is a valuable way to introduce every age to the Niswonger stage of inspiration and with tickets as low as $15 if very affordable for families. The doors open at 2:00 p.m. and a Lobby Party sponsored by The Animal Clinic of Van Wert awaits complete with face painting and balloon artists. Van Wert's own Rhonda's Cookies and Convoy Coffee Roasters will satisfy any midday caffeine and confection cravings. We dare you to take a walk on the wild side with us at the Niswonger!
