You wouldn't expect to see a pot-bellied pig wandering around one of the Warren Township Library's meeting room, but "Slim" was just one of the six pack of animals that visited 83 parents and children for Mammal Mania at the library on July 20.

Travis Gale, of Eyes of the Wild and Wallaby Tales, captivated and entertained the children with his stories and facts about his friends and, of course, the animals were a big hit as well. Drawing oohs and aahs as he pulled out a 4-month-old Coatimundi, Gale shared how he personally knows why these relatives of the raccoon do not make good pets.

While pantomiming the coatimundi's actions and his own reactions to the delight of the crowd, he told how the acrobatic critter broke a lamp and his television within minutes.

The Coatimundi was followed by a skunk, a porcupine, the pot-bellied pig, a ferret and a young wallaby. Gale taught the audience about each animal—such as that skunks usually give three warnings before spraying a predator—but he also made it fun.

He demonstrated how pot-bellied pigs are very intelligent, argued by some to be smarter than dogs, with tricks.

"My daughter loved pot bellied pig the best," said Middlesex resident Linda Stromsvold Eliya, who attended with her three children. "She thought the tricks he did were funny."

And Gale had some fun at the kids' expense.

When talking about the skunk, appropriately named PePe (he has a buddy named LePew), Gale suddenly pulled up its tale and several kids squealed as they were sprayed. Laughing at the reaction, Gale pulled out a little water-filled squirt bottle.

"That's my favorite part of the show," said Gale, still chuckling. "I guess I should have told you all before that Pepe can't spray anymore."

He also teased the children with what animal would come out next. While peering under a towel draped over a larger crate he said, "Ok next is a full-sized elephant." When the kids didn't believe him he said, "Of course, an elephant can't fit in here. It's a giraffe."

But Gale was serious as well when describing how Slim was abused by his former owner before coming to Eyes of the Wild. He also emphasized that even if some animals like the ferret are sold as pets, families should do research before deciding on what pet to bring home.

Gale worked as an environmental educator for Monmouth County Parks and as an instructor/program developer for Mad Science before buying the Eyes of the Wild Center in Washington, Warren County. The center is host to events and birthday parties as well as special programs including Family Safari Nights, usually held the first Saturday of the month. There also is a program for kids 6 and under called My Cubs, an hour-long session where children can come meet animals, hear stories and play games.

Through Wallaby Tales Traveling Zoo, Gale and the animals - including an Angora named Puff Daddy and an armadillo named Tanker - visit schools, libraries and other venues.

At the Warren library, some kids got to sneak a pet of Slim as he trotted among them when Gale played "hide and seek." Everyone got to pet the Wallaby, named Morocco (his dad is Rocco) on their way out.

"Seeing the animals up close is a great experience for my kids, and something we don't normally get to do," said Eliya. "We were all entertained and learned something about the animals."