The Two by Two Animal Haven exhibit at the Ulster County Fair features divas with heartwarming rescue stories that serve to educate the public about why exotic animals may love attention, but not on a domesticated basis.
The animal sanctuary organization displays a variety of reptiles, mammals, and birds, allowing visitors to appreciate the adorableness, but from a distance that won't result in a bite incident.
"(Fair visitors) think we're a petting zoo and don't understand that we're here to educate," said sanctuary owner Heather Iannucci.
"Then, once you explain how they got here, they ask why we still have them," she said. "They don't understand that you can't just return them to the wild; they won't survive. So places like ours take them in."
Fortunately, the questions are largely asked respectfully and give Iannucci time to explain that the animals are rescues from people who violated state law or couldn't handle the care demands of those legally acquired.
"We take in confiscated, rescued, or donated animals and offer outreach programs for children on the autism spectrum, adults with developmental disabilities, and conservation programs for schools," Iannucci said.
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