New Eco-Adventure Program at Severna Park Community Center

Standing in her living room with Wally draped along her arm, his over 2 1/2-foot long body looking relaxed, Mei Len Sanchez-Barr beams as she describes the baby crocodile.

When Wally opens his mouth wide and shows what resembles baby razor-sharp teeth, she doesn't twitch.

Sanchez-Barr is an expert handler of reptiles, and is raising Wally as part of a marine rescue effort.

Wally and a Rose Haired Mexican Tarantula the size of small hand, were delivered to her door, via Federal Express, a few months ago, from a friend and former colleague in the field of marine life rescue.

Once Wally reaches adulthood, he will be sent back, placed in a wildlife refuge and another will be sent to Sanchez-Barr to raise. "I love him and crocodilians in general."

"They are the best predators on the planet," she said.

These two specimens are just part of the reptile and other marine life collection that Sanchez-Barr is incorporating into a newly-launched program called Chelonia Eco-Adventures - "Discover the Extraordinary."

In the basement of her home, along a short wall are small aquariums. In one lies an Emperor black scorpion, in another are a few Madagascar roaches. "They're easy to take care of and very hearty," said Sanchez - Barr.

There's also a Pacman frog, originally from South America,  a dwarf crocodile named "crocy" and a box turtle and a Ball python snake. All safely lidded.

Sanchez- Barr knows her reptiles, especially crocodiles and alligators. Originally from Costa Rica, where exploring rain forests, wildlife and plentiful vegetation was a past time growing up - it then became a career and a passion.

Her first degree is in Marine Biology, the advanced is in Marine Conservation. Now, the next direction for her career is sharing her knowledge with youngsters. 

"Reptiles can be pretty smart and trainable," she said. Her favorite is the alligator. "They have a special place in my heart. I've learned to respect it and attitude-wise, they are the least aggressive, " said said, when comparing alligators to fellow reptiles crocodiles and caymans.

Sanchez - Barr isn't afraid of much. She's been to Africa numerous times, and wouldn't if figure that she met her husband, Dr. Brady Barr, a herpetologist, while working with alligators in the Florida Everglades.

He's the longtime host of National Geographic's "Dangerous Encounters" and is also helping his wife launch the Eco-Adventure program.

"Catching crocodiles with Brady was fascinating," said Sanchez-Barr. "He's my inspiration."

Mom to two children, Isabella, 6, and Braxton, 3, Sanchez-Barr is ready to share her 20 years of experience working with marine life. She's heavily involved in conservation efforts and has worked and volunteered at the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the Miami Seaquarium.

Sanchez - Barr is merging what she calls "the best of both worlds"- her love of animals and teaching into a hands-on interactive program geared towards the younger set.

Her first stop is the Severna Park Community Center where she's already successfully launched a few of the interactive and hands-on sessions. Along with the up-close look at creatures most kids have only seen on television, Sanchez-Barr provides a dose of education too.

In one program, stations are set-up to address and inform the participants on topics like the effects of the Gulf oil spill on marine life and other animals on display and other clever ideas to engage the group.

A "Beauty and the Beast" themed program with dress-up for the little ones ages 5 to 11 years-old provides a rare photo opportunity for your child to pose with an alligator..or maybe a snake. All at safe distances and close supervision states Sanchez - Barr.

Right around the corner is Animal Interactions for ages 2  1/2 to 4 years-old on Jan. 23 from 3 to 4pm and again on Jan 26 from 10am to 11. Next would be "Marine Animal Rescue Squad" for ages 5 to 12 on Jan. 29 from 1 to 2pm and 2 to 3pm all offered at the Severna Park Community Center.

Both programs are also offered in April.

From February through April at the Community Center:

"Creepy Crawly Craziness"

"Beauty and the Beasts" 

"Animal Bite Force"

Sanchez-Barr is hoping to expand her presence into the school system where this type of material would pair nicely with a science curriculum, or, simply as an educational treat for the students.

The couple are booking presentations and also birthday parties. Sharing their adventures in the wild, closer to home, is working. "So far, I've had a great response," said Sanchez-Barr.

Space is limited, call 410-279-5416 for reservations. Visit www.cheloniaEco-Adventures.com to learn about more programs.

*Editor's note: This article has been revised from its original version.