Known as the "Alligator Man," Ken Henderson was a big hit at Jesse James Days in Pineville Aug. 10-13.
People were drawn to Henderson's tent to see the stars of his show, Snuggles and Spike -- two alligators, who seemingly were enjoying all the attention, gazing back at the people who gazed at them.
The alligators were contentedly going about their business keeping cool in tubs of water during the hot days of the festival, looking peaceful and non-threatening.
But when Henderson picked them up and asked if anyone would like to pet them, both children and adult onlookers became a bit nervous.
A boy from one of the crowds, Braxton Bishop from Pineville, was not afraid. He stepped forward and held the big gator, Snuggles, on his lap while allowing the smaller gator, Spike, to sit on his head.
Upon seeing Bishop was safe, the onlookers dismissed their fears and moved closer.
Snuggles, the larger gator, is 7 feet long and 25 years old. Gators can live to be 50; however, there have been alligators that have been recorded throughout history to live for much longer than that. One alligator was even recorded to reach the age of 103.
Henderson's smaller gator, Spike, is 7 years old and a little over 3 feet long.
Henderson said his alligators are pets and pose no threats.
"If you raise a dog with love, it will love you back. If you raise an alligator with love it will love you back. It's this trust bond that counts."
As the crowds surrounding Henderson's tent were mesmerized with the gators, Henderson pulled his 8-year-old, 6-foot-long red tail boa constrictor, Jake the Snake, out of a bag and asked if anyone would like to hold it.
Courtney Renner of Anderson reached out to hold the snake and the snake soon maneuvered around her to hold on to keep from falling. Henderson said the snake is also a pet and harmless.
Henderson is the trustee of Global Environmental Education Foundation. The group, which he has been with for more than 16 years, focuses on animal ministry, which he describes as education to get people over their fears.
"People can learn a great deal from animals. People often react irrationally toward some animals, and I hope to change their opinion. The foundation tries to bring humans and animals closer together," Henderson said.
"The goal of the foundation, is to help people realize we need to harmonize with all living things on planet Earth so they are better prepared to meet the great master when they pass on."
Henderson has toured all over the nation "from Alaska to Florida" he said, "teaching people about reptiles." His show was established in 1996. He has appeared at fairs, carnivals, festivals, nursing homes and myriad other events. He said his goal is to travel to Hawaii with his reptiles.
Henderson said his show has been featured on Animal Planet, an American television channel owned by Discovery Communications.
Henderson who grew up on a farm near Kansas City, said he has loved animals since the age of 3. He graduated from the University of Missouri, went into sanitary engineering, became a registered surveyor and has always been in touch with the animal world.
Community on 08/18/2016