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Mount Kisco Library Walks On Wild Side

MOUNT KISCO, N.Y.-- Animal expert Chris Evers took kids at the Mount Kisco Library on a wildlife tour Wednesday without ever leaving the room.

Animal rescuer Chris Evers and his feathered friend.

Animal rescuer Chris Evers and his feathered friend.

Photo Credit: Sam Barron

Evers, a Pound Ridge resident, runs Animal Embassy, a Stamford-based organization which rescues and adopts exotic animals. Animal Embassy has rescued more than 500 exotic animals since it was founded in 2003. Evers has been an animal lover since he grew up in Darien.

On Wednesday, Evers showed kids hedgehogs, snapping turtles, sandboa snake, a scorpion and even a turkey, with kids getting to pet the animals.

When they weren't petting the animals, kids learned about the importance of protecting and not bothering the wildlife.

"These aren't mean animals," Evers said. "They often bite because they are afraid. Animals belong in their natural habitats. Frogs belong in the pond."

Evers showed photographs of his recent trip to Brazil where he saw seven jaguars and talked about his trips to Africa where he saw other exotic animals.

Kids said they were impressed with Evers' exotic animals and Evers hopes some of them follow him into the field.

"We need more animal rescuers, veterinarians and biologists," Evers said. "We have to take good care of the earth."

Deirdre Johnson, a children's librarian at the Mt. Kisco library, said they have had Evers before, and he always does a great job.

"He provides beautiful animals and is great with kids," Johnson said.

The library hosts animal presentations twice a year and Johnson said kids really enjoy it.

Evers said he enjoys seeing the smiles on the kids' faces. He began adopting and rescuing animals at 17, when people bought exotic animals as pets and didn't know what to do with them.

"People need to have respect for animals lives and their natural habitat," Evers said. 

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