THERE ARE NO COWARDS IN DUNMOW ROTARY CLUB
Veteran Rotarian and Second World War hero,
holder of PHF Sapphire summed up the talk given by
‘Jungle Jo’ at Thursday’s lunchtime meeting, as
quite extraordinary and interesting. A different
approach to her subject matter was displayed as she
spoke on her ’Exotic Entertainment’. This was the
original advertisement space she acquired in Yellow
Pages back in 2005. It was in that year that Jo
began giving her expertise to schools, birthday
parties, disability schools, residential homes and
other venues. The business has grown as she covers
Essex, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Her
lifelong passionate interest now houses 31 species
of diverse exotic animals, mammals and insects.
The whole series of explanation about the 4
animals shown was a not to be missed experience, the
faces of the members when each in turn was handed a
Madagascar Hissing Cockroach, eased the panic as the
2 1/2” insect, that has more brains than a 5 a side
football squad, plus the referee, allows it to live
for 2 weeks after its head is decapitated. For 40
million years these insects have bred and lived on
earth, with its blood having antifreeze in it and
ability to eat anything, will inhabit this planet,
long after human demise.
Following was the New Guinea Spiny stick insect.
Only one of the male and female insects was
distributed to each Rotarian in turn. Strange is its
waterproof skin, it camouflages its eggs, sheds its
skin as it grows and changes its colour. Beginning
at the top of the canopy from lime green through to
dark brown on the jungle floor. A similar size to
the cockroach, it lives about 2-3 years.
Now, the first signs of nervousness hit the
attendees as the Mexican Red Knee Tarantula was
introduced. It never ‘poos’ as it recycles
everything it eats into producing its web, which is
on the floor, even to eating its leg, should it be
broken off. It will go up to 1 1/2 years without
food and up to 2 1/2 years without water, claws are
retractable. With poor eyesight it is guided by
smells and senses vibrations through its body hairs,
towards its prey. It accommodates 8 eyes, no nose,
nor ears.
So, to the Eastern Indigo snake, from Orlando
Florida. A protected species that will grow up to
eight feet long. It sheds the skin on its eyes, its
fangs and tongue during the growing period along
with its whole body. Rats, birds, fish and small
mammals are on its diet sheet.
The Prince’s Trust was the initial start to her
business enterprise, and she is qualified in animal
education. She has adapted the curriculum subjects
to the presentation of live animals. Thus eliminates
childrens’ fears and now has removed many of the
members’ from their phobias. An excellent time
limited exhortation. Rtn Chris Harriss from Harlow
Tye Rotary Club was extremely impressed, as a
visitor. Jo has been on television, radio and
accompanied Sir David Attenborough at his book
signing. As a Karate Black Belt now studying Kung Fu
she has also swum with sharks. President Peter Fox
has advised that anyone reading this, will look at
her website www.junglejo.co.uk on the internet.
Those wishing to know more about Dunmow Rotary Club,
to join, or visit please contact Rotarian Past
President Dick Amott, telephone 07749932260, or
01279 870988.
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