- Associated Press - Sunday, May 31, 2020

YORK, Neb. (AP) - One of the most popular spots at York High School is the animal lab, which houses a wide variety of furry, feathered and scaly animals.

In summer months, many of them go home with students as foster pets.

After school went virtual, the animal lab’s summer fostering program had to start earlier than usual. “We were nervous about what to do if we can’t come to the school,” FFA adviser Jason Hirschfeld told the York News-Times. “We were very fortunate to have several kids keep some of our more high-maintenance animals.”

One of those animals is Luca, an Argentine Red Tegu. Incoming York High School junior Rebecca Libich – already a reptile enthusiast – stepped up to the challenge. “He is a little more of a high-maintenance animal,” Libich said. One incident happened during a power outage on Easter. Cold-blooded animals like Luca require a heat source to stay alive. When the power went out, so did Luca’s heat source. Libich and the rest of her family came up with an idea. “We ended up getting out one of our biggest coolers,” she said. Empty coffee containers were filled with hot water, and placed in the cooler. This novel heat source was the answer for Luca, who was settled into his temporary home until the power was back on.

Hirschfeld said he watches students in the animal lab, noting students’ tendencies. “I ask people who have an interest in the animal lab,” he said. Libich said she did her homework before Luca came home with her. “I did tons of research,” she said.

Students participating in animal lab activities aren’t the only ones who are taking care of animal lab residents this summer. One trustworthy interested group is Wessels Living History Farm. Each summer, animal lab residents from miniature cattle to pigs have temporarily resided at the farm. This year there will be the addition of a rabbit family to the menagerie. “The support we’re getting from the community is awesome,” Hirschfeld said.

Caring for the critters can be a bonding experience; Argentine Red Tegus tend to make bonds with their caretakers more so than the average lizard. When friends are around Luca, Libich said, Luca gets a little nervous. “If he smells me he calms down,” Libich said. “I think he realizes, ‘I can trust this person.’”

Only a few animals remain in the school’s animal lab – among them a few snakes and guinea pigs. Hirschfeld said the school’s animals will make a return, once school kicks back into gear. “When this all dies down we’ll get them back.”

Animal lab residents get extra loving care during the school year, but living in kids’ homes takes pet pampering to a new level, from Luca’s varied menu (including raw turkey, crickets and lettuce) to a cat getting a manicure and sporting a glittering gold crown. Hirschfeld often receives text messages with photos and updates on the creatures’ summer vacations. “These animals are probably not going to want to come back to the animal lab.”

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