Ms. Ann-Ole thanks local herpetologists. From the Wild Amelia Facebook Page: Many thanks to herpetologists Mark Beshel (far left) and Caleb Bress (far right) of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for their entertaining and informative presentation on the green anole at the last of the Wild Nites this Festival year. Who knew the green anole could be sooo much fun? Thanks also to our own Ms-Ann-ole! Photo–Scott Moore
The just completed Wild Amelia Nature Festival this year featured the green anole as its mascot. AA‘s friend, anole author Karen Cusick, attended and filed this report:
“The Wild Amelia Facebook page has photos and some info on a lot of the activities–releasing sea turtles, ecotours on foot, by kayak, and by segway, learning about bats with the Bat Lady, sunrise yoga on the beach, etc., so I hope that helped.
Although the green anole was the Critter of the Year, the main things specifically related to green anoles were: the green anole presentation by the people from the zoo (along with the person in the anole suit); a couple of booths at the expo that featured some pictures and books about anoles and other lizards; the kids’ activity where they got prizes for going around answering questions about anoles; and the festival tee shirts with the anole logo. I noticed that the person in the anole costume was also on hand to congratulate two children for becoming Seashore Junior Naturalists.”
Karen also nabbed two photography awards for the photos below. Congratulations, Karen!
Award-winning photo by Karen Cusick. First place in “Other Fauna” category for non-professional photographers.
Another award-winning photo by Karen Cusick. First place in “Bird” category
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Skip Lazell
Great photos! The Ann-ole costume ain’t so great…. But thanks anyway.
KarenC
I missed the evening presentation about green anoles by the people from the zoo, and I am so sorry–from what I heard it was a fun evening. I had no idea there was going to be someone dressed up in an anole costume! I never did get to see Miss Ann-ole at the festival, though I guess she was around there somewhere. Thanks about the photos. Since it was the year of the green anole I thought there should be some green anole photos in the photography contest, so I submitted a couple and one of them won!