Ludwick showcases animal ambassadors

The Pre-Vet club hosted returning guest speaker Joanne Ludwick, from Narrow Way Nature Center in Hartsville, on Oct. 10 in the Leatherman Science Facility.

Ludwick brings an assortment of animals to different events to educate people about them. She founded the organization because of her love for many different animals and because of her desire to help people. She holds camps for disabled or grieving children. Ludwick also travels to places like FMU to give students a chance to experience and learn about new animals and relax from the stress of the semester.

Senior Jonathan Britt, a math major, attended the event after his chemistry lab.

“I enjoyed holding the snakes,” Britt said. “I would say people should definitely come, holding animals is a good way to get rid of phobias. I think it’s important to have events like this to give students a break from studying.”

Kendall Berry, the president of the Pre-Vet club, said she was excited to attend the event because she wanted to learn about the animals being brought to the presentation.

“I enjoyed holding the snakes and the bunny,” Berry said. “I got to hold the bunny for probably 15 or 20 minutes, and I was so calm afterward. I would tell someone that it is a very good opportunity to meet some exotic animals that you may not have met before and learn more about them. It is also a good way to get over things such as a fear of snakes because all the animals at the meeting are very calm and used to being handled.”

Berry also said it was an invaluable experience for students.

“I think it’s important for students to have opportunities like this because they may not get another chance to be exposed to exotic animals again and it is also a learning opportunity for them,” Barry said. “Also, for students that cannot get away from campus due to not having a vehicle, this is a way for them to be able to interact with animals while staying on campus.”

Zipporah Servance, a biology major, said she decided to come to the event because she loves animals.

“I enjoyed being able to interact with the different types of animals they have here,” Servance said. “I feel like for students, like myself, it’s like a stress relief to just take my mind off school.”

Freshman Katlyn Coakley said she was excited to come after she got an email from the Pre-Vet club that said there would be a guest speaker with animal ambassadors.

“I was really excited to come in and see the animals and it made me happy because I don’t get to see my animals at home,” Coakley said.

Cameron Jackson, a freshman biology major, said he came to the event because he loves all animals, especially reptiles.

“I have always wanted to get to hold all kinds of exotic animals but reptiles are my main passion, I would say,” Jackson said. “I think it’s a good place to come and get over phobias and have some really cool stories.”