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Saturday, September 25, 2010 – Daily News – 3B Scary to some, reptiles aim to educate By GEOFF JOHNSON DN Staff Writer Mary Esther Hart is at the Tehama District Fair- ground with a 30-year- old, 12-foot, 105-pound Burmese python and a mission. “If you don’t think a 12-foot snake is big, then it’s time to check your glasses,” she said. Hart runs Hart’s Rep- tile World and Interna- tional Reptile Rescue, Inc., an exhibit celebrat- ing reptiles. “People are so condi- tioned to think if it’s not cute and fuzzy, it’s not worth saving,” she said. During the fair Hart hopes to bring visitors face-to-face and finger- to-scale with a zoo of creatures including a six-foot Iguana, boas, pythons and a 40-pound tortoise named “JJ” and his leopard tortoise friend. “Tortoises are won- derfully friendly,” Hart said. Children and families will be able to touch and be photographed with the safer animals or with “Terry the Surfer Dude” and “Princess Teresa,” a pair of pint-size Tyran- nosaurus Rex statues dressed in children’s clothing. Reptile fans will even be able to take home a pet, but only if they meet Hart’s criteria. Many of Hart’s tour- ing partners are also res- cue animals, given up by owners or children who forgot their new friend in favor of a new toy. The problem crops up sometimes even with older children, like a high school graduate “going off to college, and oops, mom and dad don’t want a snake around,” Hart said. For that reason, Hart will not adopt out any of her exhibits to children or anyone living in an apartment, she said. But she may be will- ing to take on local lizards if families need a place to pass on their pets. Hart hopes to instill not just wonder but shock with what she calls the “Wall of Shame,” a collection of handbags, purses and furniture made with the same animals she has on display. The message is partic- ularly effective on chil- dren even when their parents mistake the dis- play for a gift shop, Hart said. More than anything else, Hart said she hopes visitors come away with a better appreciation for what is the greener, overlooked side of the animal kingdom and its place in the ecosystem. “God and Mother Nature knew what they were doing,” she said. Hart’s Reptile World will be open throughout the Tehama District Fair at the Jr. Art and Science building. More informa- tion is available by con- sulting the fair schedule. ——— Geoff Johnson can be reached at 527-2153, extension 114 or gjohnson@redbluffdaily news.com. SINCE 1971 GARY’S AUTO BODY & 24 HOUR TOWING, INC. Se Habla Español (530) 527-8262 • (530) 528-8261 IF NO ANSWER CALL 529-7400 13540 Trinity Ave, Red Bluff www.garysautobodyandtowing.com Miller Equipment’s Tractor Mall New Holland AG Tractors Ready to Roll Sales Event 0% for 72 months select models TYM Tractors 5 Year Warranty New Holland Construction Equipment Boom Boom Sales Event 0% for 42 months select units O% & Low Rate Finance Options or Up to $2,750 Off Kioti Tractors 4 Year Warranty 22hp - 90hp tractors Knowledgeable Sales Staff See us for ALL your equipment needs Your Authorized Full Service Dealer and 0% for 72 Months Or up to $6,000 Off 23hp-100hp in stock Toro Sitework Systems Compact Track Loaders Any job. Anytime. Anywhere. AG, HOMEOWNER & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT • Sales • Service • Parts Shop Local...We Do!! Locally Owned Since 1991 (530) 378-1116 1-800-439-3407 • 2025 BARNEY RD., ANDERSON Mon.-Fri. 8-5 • Sat. 9-12 • Closed Sun. www.redbluffyamaha.com