Six rows of third-graders sat still on the gymnasium floor at Nautilus Elementary School.

Jackie Leatherman/News-Herald Photo. From left to right, third-graders Rylee Mattice, Cydney Owens, and Lauren Harwood look at a spiny tail lizard during a zoo animal presentation at Nautilus Elementary School Wednesday morning.

They just finished locking their lips with their imaginary key to ensure that not one peep came from their mouths while the next “guest” was brought before their eyes.

But the locks weren’t tight enough — a few quiet gasps emerged as soon as the rainforest owl appeared.

“My favorite part was the owl, because I’ve never seen one before,” said third-grader Hannah Jackson.

The Phoenix Zoo Zoomobile visited the elementary school Wednesday morning giving third- and fourth-graders an up-close and personal look at animals from around the world — including some from their backyard.

The zoo has offered the free educational presentations to districts statewide for the past 30 years.

“I just appreciate it as an educator that they have this as an opportunity,” said Kerry Shettko, teacher for a third and fourth grade combination class. “So many kids don’t have the opportunity to go to Phoenix and the zoo.”

Zoomobile Coordinator Carrie Flood said she loves seeing the students’ faces “when they learn something new or when they get to see an animal.”

Flood brought a cockroach, tarantula, spiny tail lizard, owl and a ferret.

Students answered questions and learned facts during the one-hour presentation — including that the owl had the most sensitive ears of all the “guests” that day.

For third-grader Jacob Kluzak, the owl was his favorite that day, but not because of the owl’s sensitive ears:

“He pooped,” he said.

You may contact the reporter at jleatherman@havasunews.com.