An alligator snapping turtle with a powerful bite. Pet rats that love attention. Snakes that might look intimidating until you've held one.
Open Doors Academy middle school scholars in Mansfield got an up-close introduction to some fascinating creatures, thanks to a visit from Drew Jeffries and the team at Ohio Pet Depot.
As Jeffries introduced each animal, scholars crowded around to observe, ask questions, and – carefully – hold or gently touch their new acquaintances. They learned how snapping turtles use their tongues to attract prey, why rats make surprisingly intelligent pets, and how snakes are often misunderstood.
“Education, first off, and then also breaking the stigma,” Jeffries explained when asked why he enjoys bringing animals into classrooms.
He told the scholars, “I hope that now that you've seen a snake, touched a snake, maybe put a snake around your neck, that you don't have those fears anymore.”
For Jeffries, the visit was also personal. His daughter previously attended ODA’s Mansfield afterschool program and developed a close relationship with coordinator Miatta Curry. He now volunteers his time to bring these experiences to scholars.
Since 2022, Open Doors Academy has partnered with Mansfield City School District to provide afterschool programming at Malabar Intermediate School and Mansfield Middle School. This past summer marked our second year of summer camp in Mansfield, where scholars enjoyed activities ranging from boxing and art to cooking up strawberry shortcake and Dreamsicle salad.
Sometimes, that means trying something unfamiliar, asking a question you might have been hesitant to ask, or discovering that something you once feared isn't quite so frightening after all.
We'd like to thank Drew, Cadence, and Ari for being and bringing such wonderful guests.
You can learn more about these animals at:
