Critters delight children

AMENIA — On Monday, Aug. 29, the Two-by-Two Animal Haven paid a visit to Indian Rock Schoolhouse in Amenia.

The traveling zoo brought with it several baby goats, a dragon-like lizard, a tortoise who shared space with a furry bunny, some attractive chickens and an irresistible 8-month-old kangaroo named Macaroni.

The well-attended event was hosted by the Amenia Free Library.

Jessica Santiago and Heather Iannucci from the mini-mobile animal kingdom were the ones who brought the animals. They introduced the critters to many excited children, not to mention their enthusiastic caretakers.

The purpose of the program, noted both the library and Two-by-Two, was to educate people about animals, and ways to protect their welfare and survival.

Two-by-Two Animal Haven is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that’s been teaching local residents and little ones about animal conservation since 1993.

The deep-red one-room Indian Rock Schoolhouse was built in 1858 and is located at 25 Mygatt Road.

For more information about Indian Rock Schoolhouse, call 845-378-8338 or go to www.indianrockschool.org.

To contact Two-by-Two Animal Haven, located in Pleasant Valley, go to www. twobytwoanimalhaven.com.

To contact the Amenia Free Library and learn of its offerings, call 373-827-3845 or go to www.amenialibrary.org.

— Judith O’Hara Balfe

Local children were brimming with excitement to be introduced to one of the traveling zoo’s goats. The goats seemed to be enjoying themselves as well. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe

Makenna Freeswick tended to Macaroni, an adorable kangaroo. Makenna was happy the Two-by-Two Animal Haven visited Amenia last week, adding Macaroni was very cuddly. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe

  

Local children were brimming with excitement to be introduced to one of the traveling zoo’s goats. The goats seemed to be enjoying themselves as well. Photo by Judith O'Hara Balfe