Families Meet 'Un-huggable' Animals at Skirball

Families at the Skirball Cultural Center were introduced to some not so soft and cuddly members of the animal kingdom Saturday during a program presented by Wildlife on Wheels.

“We brought some un-huggable animals today, but they are not only un-huggable but also probably some of the most misunderstood animals,” said Wildlife Educator Melanie Angeles. “We have a skunk, a 15-foot python, a turkey vulture, a North American porcupine, and equally un-huggable but maybe not as scary, we have a bald eagle.”

Wildlife on Wheels is dedicated to educating children about wildlife conservation. The animals they use in their programs have been injured or kept as pets, making them incapable of surviving in the wild, Angeles said.

“We want the kids to walk away understanding the role between nature, animals and the environment and the part that they can play in helping to preserve the animals that live around them,” she said.

One way to educate kids about wildlife is to teach them about animals that are misunderstood, like skunks.

“Skunks only spray when they are absolutely terrified that something is going to eat them,” Angeles said. “So while skunks have a very bad reputation, they are not bad animals.”

Five kids from the audience were invited on stage to help hold “Julius Squeezer,” the Burmese python.

“This animal is definitely un-huggable, but it likes to hug,” Angeles said.

The program was part of the Skirball’s Family Amphitheater Performances that take place at noon and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 4. For information about future performances, call (310) 440-4500 or visit www.skirball.org.