OTTOVILLE, Ohio (WLIO) - Families in Putnam County are getting an up-close look with some exotic wildlife on Wednesday.
It was family fun with Mark's Ark in Ottoville, as Mark Kohlhorst brought his diverse collection of exotic pets to show off. From snakes, to lizards and even a Chinese goose, there is something for all ages to enjoy and learn more about. Multiple kids were selected from the audience as volunteers to hold the animals and walk around to show them to the rest of the crowd.
For Kohlhorst, showing the kids the animals and allowing them to see and touch them gives them the chance to develop a love for wildlife like he did when he was their age.
"That's the whole fun of it; I wouldn't do this if you know you couldn't touch the animal, at least touch the animals and have exposure to some of this stuff," said Kohlhorst. "In a day and age where everything is touch screen, they don't have that sense of wanting tactile, they don't want to touch stuff, and it's kind of weird. So when I can show this, and then they really light up, and it really gets their attention. You can see this place filled up, it brings in the attention. Animals always bring the attention to kids, and they just love them."
Mark's Ark will be coming to Lima Saturday, August 2nd at 11 AM at the Ottawa Metro Park amphitheater. The event is free and open to the public.
