Families Get Up Close Look at Animals in Clarkston Independence Library Event
(Crystal A. Proxmire, July 5, 2025)
Clarkston, MI – A giant African Bullfrog named Chubbs helped to inspire dozens of children at the Summer Reading Kickoff at Clarkston Independence Library.
Chubbs is one of several animals in Dan the Creature Man’s menagerie. Dan is the proprietor of Little Creatures Company.
He also brought a scarlet parrot, an albino python, a fuzzy chinchilla, a rainbow chameleon, and even an alligator to the library for two shows.
Dan Briere has been bringing animal shows to libraries, schools, and other gatherings for over 30 years. He loves taking care of the animals, most of which are rescues from unfortunate circumstances. But for him, it’s also about giving the families an experience where they get to see things they may not otherwise get to see, and develop a respect for nature. “It doesn’t matter what kind of day I’m having. I could be having a terrible day but when I get up there and see the kids’ faces, it makes me happy every time,” he said.
The kids got to learn fun facts about the animals, like that chinchillas are related to squirrels and guinea pigs, and that most snakes have over 400 vertebrae bones which helps them to be flexible.
They also learn that caring for animals is a big responsibility, and that some animals just are not meant to be pets. For example, the gigantic python was confiscated by Southfield Police. And Allie the Alligator was originally purchased by a Birmingham couple who thought it was an adorable pet. Over the years, Allie got big and aggressive. Alligators can grow to be 8 – 14 feet long and up to 800 lbs. Briere puts a band over Allie’s mouth to keep her from snapping at the families, and it won’t be long before Allie is sent to a zoo to continue growing and living among peers. But that’s not an ideal life for a giant wild animal, and many end up even worse off depending on their circumstance.
Learning respect and responsibility is a side effect of the fun of the Little Creatures presentations. Learn more about Briere and his adorable friends at https://littlecreaturesco.com/
