Exploring animals at Jones Beach

“Olaf is a box turtle,” educator Mia Ramirez explained to a group of about 15 children and adults inside the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center in Wantagh last Friday.

“What!?” one toddler exclaimed in response, which was met with laughter from some parents.

Ramirez proceeded to show each of the children the 11-year-old turtle, who came from an animal rescue group in Riverhead. Each child was allowed to touch the shell of the creature using two fingers, as Ramirez provided information and fun facts about box turtles’ diets, habitats and more.

The interactive experience was part of Creature Feature: one of the many children-centered programs hosted by the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center. At this paid program, children were able to learn about Long Island’s native reptiles and spend time with them in person.

Rounding off the program, attendees visited the tanked turtles and seahorses. Kids also used the interactive touch tank, a small water environment with living creatures, to interact with mollusks, hermit crabs and horseshoe crabs. Much to their astoundment, the crabs have been around for over 400 million years.