THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, July 8, 1995 TAG: 9507090006
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 28 lines
Regarding ``Be kind to alligators too'' (letter, June 23): Observation should precede speaking.
Having lived in the ``bayou and alligator'' capital of the world - New Orleans - I must say that the alligator attraction at the Bayou Boogaloo Festival (June 16-18) was a great educational experience for children. Not only did Gil Castillo (``Kachunga'') not wrestle the gator; he demonstrated how to best handle the huge reptile without being injured or possibly killed and pointed out physical features and habits of the alligator, all of which was especially interesting to my two children who were born in Louisiana.
Both Gil Castillo and his sidekick Mike Chillura demonstrated nothing but the best care and treatment of the alligator. Ms. Wallaert missed a great demonstration. She should try to catch it at Busch Gardens, maybe, before passing judgment.
DARRYL A. VERRET
Norfolk, June 23, 1995 by CNB