Reptiles from Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary of Palmerton hung out with humans June 28 in the Coplay Borough municipal building gymnasium. Attendees met Marshmallow, Medusa, Waffles, Salmon, Chubbie, Caesar and more at the Coplay Public Library-organized event.

Christina, Jackson and Larry of Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary presented a variety of snakes, lizards, tortoises and an American alligator to wide-eyed kids and their parents and grandparents. After a brief safety instruction to attendees from Christina, attendees were allowed to pet and touch the reptiles.

When a large 50-pound tortoise named Waffles was presented to attendees, they were told they can touch the top of the large shell but to not put any fingers “near his mouth because he thinks anything near his mouth is food,” Christina said.

A major attraction of the event was the introduction of an albino Burmese python named Salmon. Kids and parents alike were enthralled by the very large, beautifully colored snake.

One attendee said to another, “How’d you like to get up in the morning and find this one (python) in the kitchen?”

Christina and her team not only presented the reptiles but also provided education about each animal. Christina answered any questions about the animals that were asked.

“We have been doing this (operating the sanctuary) over 20 years,” Larry said.

The show ended with the presentation of Caesar, an American alligator. He was about 3 feet long and, when full grown, might be more than 6 feet in length. Caesar behaved himself as Christina held him the entire time of his presentation. Kids happily petted Caesar’s back.

Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary, located at 339 Lehigh Ave., Palmerton, is a 501(c)(3) public charity focused on educating the public on proper reptile care and safety. The group conducts reptile rescues, providing a home and a good quality of life for the unwanted.

Karen Stoisits, library board president, was on hand to watch the kids and parents interact with and learn more about the reptile visitors. She said she was grateful for the turnout and the event’s educational theme that furthers one of the library’s goals of providing community education.

Consider visiting the library, which is located at the corner of Fifth and Center streets in the borough.

To find out more about Christina, her team and the sanctuary, visit the group’s Facebook page.