Medusa, Waffles, Salmon, Caesar and more, reptiles from Christina’s Reptiles and Animal Sanctuary, crawled around for about an hour on the mulit-use stage in the Coplay Borough Hall, 98 S. Fourth St. Christina, Jackson and Larry, of Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary, presented a variety of snakes, lizards, tortoises and an American alligator to youth and family members July 25 as part of the Coplay Public Library summer reading program.

After a brief safety instruction to attendees from herpetologist Christina Obrecht, the attendees were allowed to pet and touch the animals.

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

The major attraction of the event was the introduction of an albino Burmese python named Salmon who was more than 7 feet long. The kids and parents were enthralled by the very large, beautifully colored snake. The kids pet her, and four adults took the opportunity to pick up and hold the snake.

Obrecht provided important educational facts about each animal as it was displayed for touching and answered questions from the kids or parents.

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 and remained docile as Obrecht held him. Kids, some timidly, happily petted Caesar’s back.

Most of the animals presented are found in Central and South America. Some climate experts indicate that, as global warming accelerates, insects and other animals will be migrating north. Perhaps the great grandchildren of the youngsters at the event might find a large red tegu lizard, an alligator or a common boa constrictor in their backyard around the year 2090 or 2100.

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

It is a rescue for people who buy reptiles like alligators and lizards that outgrow literally their welcome.

Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary, 339 Lehigh Ave., Palmerton, is an IRS 501(c)3 public charity focused on educating the public on proper reptile care and safety. They conduct reptile rescue, providing a home and a good quality of life for unwanted reptiles.

Visit Christina’s Reptile and Animal Sanctuary website or visit the Facebook page for more information or to financially support their efforts.

Library board President Karen Stoisits was on hand to watch the kids and parents interact with and learn more about reptiles. 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 and joining the library at the corner of Fifth and Center streets.