Over 100 people attended a free presentation by Des Moines’ Blank Park Zoo on Tuesday in Jefferson.

The event is part of the youth summer reading program of “Every Hero Has A Story.”  Kids and adults got to learn about different types of animals like a skunk, an alligator, a ferret and an Australian skink, which is a reptile.  Children’s Librarian Terry Clark explains why they chose to partner with the zoo for their summer reading program.

“Sometimes the animals they bring are animals that have been rescued.  Wherever there’s a rescue there always a hero involved, so we think that’s kind of a cool thing.  The Blank Park Zoo has also partnered with the libraries of Iowa, and so they provide free (admission) tickets for all kids that complete the program.”

The zoo also made stops at the Churdan and Paton libraries on Tuesday as well.  There are three more chances to see the animals from the zoo this Friday.  They will be at the Grand Junction Library at 10:30am, the Rippey Library at 1pm and the H.F. and Maude E. Marchant Memorial Library in Scranton at 3pm.

She adds that the next special guest speaker will be Greene County Chief Deputy Sheriff Jack Williams and his K-9 Leo at the Greene County Community Center on June 23rd at 1pm.

Clark notes that 148 kids have already signed up for the summer reading program that started last week, which Clark says has been a terrific response.  There’s still time to sign up for the program by calling or stopping by the children’s department of the Jefferson Public Library.