‘Collection of Continents’ visits San Antonio Elementary School

Art Taimanglo from the Guam office of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife visited the 2nd grade classes of San Antonio Elementary School on Jan. 28, 2005 to teach the children the importance of preserving endangered species.

Second-grade teacher Leora Ngirablosch said she invited Taimanglo to do the presentation as part of efforts to give her children some hands-on experience in the exploration of continents. Stuffed specimens of endangered species were shown the students, the entire collection representing species from five continents.

“The kids were thrilled to touch something that came from the continent that they are learning about. Illegal elephant tusks that were confiscated from passengers passing through the CNMI and Guam represented Africa. Wallaby furs gave us a feel of Australia. Monkey skull and alligator skins were among the items from Asia. North America shared with us leather items like purses and wallets that are made from the North American alligator. A surprise visit came from Antarctica in the form of a walrus tooth that was bigger than the average human head,” said Ngirablosch.

Efforts are being made to ensure all continents are represented in the near future.

Ngirablosch said the children learned to show love and care for animals by not killing them for fancy wallets or belts. As they could only wish for the specimens to be alive so they could play with them, Ngirablosch said the students realized that if the world could help preserve these endangered species, there would be more available, enough to bring live ones to the classroom.

“I must say this was the most fun presentation and it taught us many lessons in addition to preservation,” said Ngirablosch.

In a recent mail to Ngirablosch, Taimanglo said he appreciated the opportunity to reach out to the students in educating them in the protection of wildlife.

“Your students were excellent listeners and well mannered. I look forward to giving another presentation to your school in the near future,” said Taimanglo.

Ngirablosch said this presentation is only one in a long list of related school activities that really embraces the community and its representatives.

“We are truly a part of the global community and to realize that we must go in depth into ours. Children need to know who are the people who are responsible for keeping humans, animals, and plants safe here in the CNMI and globally. I can’t wait until the CNMI election draws near.”