GREENVILLE — Rotary Club of Greenville recently donated to the Darke County Parks District.

“The Darke County Parks District would like to thank the Rotary Club of Greenville for generously awarding them a grant to upgrade their turtle and snake enclosures in order to provide a healthier environment for their animal ambassadors,” said Hannah Weist, naturalist.

The grant funds purchased specialized ambient heat lamps and a year supply of bulbs for those lamps as well as a scale to help monitor the animals’ weight. Because reptiles are not able to regulate their own body temperature, they have to rely on external sources for their heat. The new lamps not only provide the heat that these turtles need but will also provide vitamins A and D which helps them to avoid illness and disease.

“These healthy animal ambassadors will inspire the stewards of tomorrow to study, appreciate, and protect these fascinating features of the ecosystem.”

Because caretakers are not able to duplicate hibernation conditions in captivity, the enclosures must maintain a summer-like environment all year long, somewhere between 85-88 degrees.

https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_Rotary-Thank-You.jpgBecause caretakers are not able to duplicate hibernation conditions in captivity, the enclosures must maintain a summer-like environment all year long, somewhere between 85-88 degrees.