Peter Gros to bring exotic animals to Morristown

MORRISTOWN — Animal expert Peter Gros shares his exciting animal world experiences and introduces friendly exotic animals to audience members at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Sunday, Oct. 5 at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 to $35.

Animals scheduled to appear (subject to change) include: a baby alligator; a 6-foot alligator; "Victor the Constrictor," a large python to be held by audience members; the world's largest African porcupine (called a crested porcupine); the largest owl in the world (called a Eurasian Eagle owl); a 50 pound Southeast Asian Benterong; a beautiful Gwynn monkey; a giant Asian monitor lizard; a smaller Eurasian legless lizard and more.

Peter Gros has nearly 30 years of field experience with wildlife. In his former position as Director of Land Animals and Vice President at Marine World/Africa USA, he and his team established breeding programs for hundreds of endangered animals. He also developed a rehabilitation program for birds of prey, as well as the largest captive breeding colony of ostriches in the United States. He is a licensed U.S.D.A. exhibitor and a wildlife lecturer. An active member of the American Zoo and Aquariums Association as well as the Zoological Association of America, Gros is also on the Board of Directors of the Suisun Marsh Natural History Association, and a trustee for the Cheetah Conservation Fund.

He is a frequent lecturer on conservation and preservation at universities, zoos, theaters and nature and science centers around the nation. His goal is to share his passion for the natural world with young people across the planet, inspiring them to protect animals both locally and globally.

"We need to continue to deliver a powerful message about how each of us can make a daily difference in preserving our natural world," Gros says. "It is possible to use our natural resources in a sustainable manner. We simply need to educate our nation's youth about the importance of wildlife conservation."

Peter's life is dedicated to inspiring young people to care about wildlife and wild places. He continues to be a champion for the natural world, traveling and speaking around the United States.

The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For tickets or more information contact the box office at 973-539-8008 or visit www.mayoarts.org.