300-pound alligator, reptile show coming to Niles library
Published 9:03 am Monday, December 21, 2015
Photo courtesy of Jim Nesci
Two young boys sit on the back of Bubba, a 300-pound alligator that is coming to the Niles library as part of a special reptile show Dec. 28. Animal expert Jim Nesci is also bringing snakes, a tortoise and a monitor lizard to this educational event.
A 300-pound alligator is not something one would expect to see at the local library.
But that is exactly what the Niles District Library is going to get this holiday season when wildlife expert Jim Nesci brings his traveling reptile show to the City of Four Flags on Monday, Dec. 28.
“It will be an eye opener,” said Nesci, who is considered to be a pioneer of reptile education programs.
Nesci and his reptiles have appeared on nationally televised programs, including The Oprah Show, Animal Planet and The Tonight Show, to name a few.
He tours the country entertaining and educating audiences of all ages about his cold-blooded creatures.
The main attraction of the show is Bubba — a 9 1/2 feet long North American alligator that weighs 300 pounds.
Nesci said Bubba, who lives in Nesci’s home, has appeared in schools, hospitals and nursing homes all over the country.
“Unfortunately, television doesn’t do these guys any good will. Everything is danger, danger, danger,” Nesci said of the public’s perception of alligators. “When you work with animals it is like working with people — we are all different with different personalities.”
In addition to Bubba, Nesci is bringing a few snakes, a tortoise and a monitor lizard for attendees to see and interact with.
There are two show times for the event.
The first, at 1 p.m., is intended for people with special needs or sensory sensitivities.
The second show, for the general public, is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m.
“The 1 p.m. showing is trying to be sensory sensitive for those with special needs that can’t really deal with crowds and noise so well,” said Laura Hollister, of the Niles District Library. “Please come if you need the accommodation, but please aim for the second show if you can handle the excitement of the longer show.”
Hollister said the program would not have been possible without the support of the Niles Community School’s Homeschool Partnership.
“They are the primary sponsor for this unique opportunity,” she said.
A snow date has been set for Dec. 30 in case of inclement weather.
