Seven strong —and brave — volunteers hoist up Iggy, an albino python, as part of a stage show featuring animals native to the rain forest Friday evening in Lars Hockstad Auditorium. The program was presented by the nonprofit organization Understanding Wildlife.

Rain forest comes alive for students

     Kohlrieser is the head animal trainer for the nonprofit organization Understanding Wildlife. The goal of this organization is to increase awareness of the need for rain forest conservation. Since 1992, Kohlrieser and his rain forest pals have been performing in front of tens of thousands of students and adults.

     Last week, Understanding Wildlife brought their special program to nine local elementary schools. Evening programs were also held at Traverse City East Junior High School and Central Grade School.

     During each performance, audience members were introduced to a variety of rain forest animals. Included in the program were macaws and cockatoos, alligators, snakes, a monkey and a spotted African serval wildcat.

     Seeking to both educate and entertain, the live stage performance makes an indelible impression on young audience members.

     “The goal is to turn them on to rain forest conservation. When you read about things in a magazine or newspaper it doesn’t mean as much as having a beautiful macaw fly over your head,” Kohlrieser noted.




A young girl has Rosie the macaw eating out of her hand with the help of animal trainer Mike Kohlrieser.

Kohlrieser and Rudy, an African serval wildcat, don’t quite see each other eye-to-eye about performing.

Katie Curtiss, a fifth-grader at Long Lake Elementary, keeps her composure as this snake wraps itself around her neck.

Rascal shows his curious side as Kohlrieser answers questions during a presentation Friday at Long Lake Elementary School.

Audience members at Lars Hockstad reach out to touch an alligator. The creature, however, was kept silent courtesy of a rubber band around his snout.

Kelly, a blue and gold macaw, demonstrates her ability to hold herself up by one claw.