Understanding Wildllife brings animals and lessons to White Oak

Animals of the rainforest were not just photos in a book for White Oak Elementary students on Thursday - they were real and walking (or slithering) right before them. Understanding Wildlife founder Mike Kohlrieser brought his collection of snakes, monkeys, parrots, alligators, and more to Morris to help children gain a better understanding of the issues facing rainforests around the world today. Bringing the animals right to the kids helps them to see that they're real and fun and have personalities, Kohlrieser said after one of the two assemblies the school held. “We want them to get an emotional connection to the animals,” he said. A connection was definitely established, as the students roared with laughter at more than one trick or anti