BorderFest attendees experience an 'amazing animal adventure'
HIDALGO — Kayla Torres took refuge behind her mother’s leg, poking her head out slightly to see Jose, a Colombian boa constrictor.
The cream-and-black reptile rested on the shoulders of Mike Pechacek, part of the Amazing Animal Adventure at BorderFest, Hidalgo’s four-day annual arts, culture and heritage festival running through Sunday.
Nine-year-old Kayla and dozens of others passed through the makeshift rain forest habitat, observing each exotic animal that was present.
Along with Jose, there was a ring-tailed lemur, a brown capuchin monkey and an Asian fishing cat named Jericho.
“I’m scared of the snakes,” Kayla said after making her way around the tent. “My favorite is the fishing cat.”
It was something about those snakes — mainly the extra-large Burmese python — that raised the hackles on some visitors.
“Ewws” and “uhhs” were uttered by at least a few of them. Many snapped photos on their camera phones, while others gathered on the bleachers for the start of the Amazing Rainforest presentation.
The exhibit continues at BorderFest through Sunday, with several shows daily.
“If my poodle was here he would freak out,” said Randy Torres, 11. “I think (the snakes) are cute.”
His younger brother, Israel, 4, didn’t quite agree.
“I’m scared,” he said in a tiny voice.
A few minutes later, during the show, handlers showed off a 7-year-old tiger named Natasha, whose species is considered one of the greatest predators in the wild and one of the world’s best natural athletes. The massive cat strode across platforms and leaped over several hurdles.
The crowd was still as she gave her handler a high-five.
“Those are some big paws,” audience member Sylvia Velasquez said as she cringed in her seat. “I’m glad it’s not me.”
Some children weren’t afraid to get as close as they could while still heeding the sign that warned, “These animals do bite.”
“I’ve never seen these kinds of animals up close before,” said Cassandra Alaniz, a wide-eyed 9-year-old from Brownsville. “I’m not scared, uh-uh.”
___
Miriam Ramirez covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4468.
