Toby starts to feel hungry. He notices the feast he has in front of him. Romaine lettuce and some nuts. He surprisingly walks quickly towards his bowl, and chomps down his lunch. He then returns to his heat lamp, and watches as students pass by.
Toby, an African Sulcata Tortoise, is 28 years old. Toby is housing with the Agriculture classes this winter because he needs a warmer environment. He is a pet of a local family, and the area he normally winters in has lost its heat supply. While wintering with the building, students are able to learn things they wouldn’t normally see because he is not a native animal.
Dug and Pickles are two male and female Leopard Geckos. Their enclosure, located in the Animal Science classroom, has structures and rocks that would be found in their local environment. Dug and Pickles were donated by a students family who has many reptiles, and the geckos have grown fond of the classes. Nearly every period, they are out interacting with students.
“Nearly every class period, someone wants to tend to them and they give purpose and interaction, which can be calming and fun,” Animal Science teacher Brad Gillum said.
The three of these animals all have their unique personality and are slowly developing their way into the students everyday classroom experience. Students are starting to see how these animals need to be take care of, and how they actually can effect their lives.
Each animal requires its own treatment and environment. With this comes responsibility on the students and the teachers of the Agriculture building. Animal Science teacher Brad Gillum uses the animals as possible lessons in animal care.
“The animals require attention; their tank environments and food supply is maintained primarily by students. Students had lots of questions at first. We did some research and discussion assignments about them, and now students answer questions when new people encounter the animals,” Gillum said.
Sophomore Madeline Duncan is a member of the Animal Science class. During her class period, students continue to learn and even grow connections with the animals as they have to take care of them and are responsible for tasks like food and water.
“Everyone has an animal. When we have free time it gives everyone something to do and a sense of responsibility,” Duncan said.
Sophomore Ayden Alltop is in the building for two periods and has seen how these animals have grown in their own unique environments.
“The tortoise, we’ve given it a bath before, its pretty cool,” Alltop said.
With the addition of Toby, Pickles and Dug to the building, the students are getting hands on experience with animals that they wouldn’t normally get.
