Danielle Boxill is an animation major and a worker at Huntington University’s very own greenhouse, which is located on the second floor of the science hall. The greenhouse is home to many plant species and animals, and its wildlife population has grown recently

“We got two hedgehogs,” Boxill says. “One is really old, and the other had muscle problems and can only walk on one side, but they are both doing well.”

Not many students know that the greenhouse is open to all students.

“Students need to have a professor or a worker with them to visit the hedgehogs in the lab, for the safety of the hedgehogs that need special care,” Boxill says. “Students can, however, go into the main greenhouse to observe the plants and the baby chameleons. Students are not allowed to disturb the chameleons because they belong to a student at HU and not to the school. Students are, however, free to watch the chameleons.”

Many students know Rough Neck, HU’s very own bearded dragon lizard. He is friendly, feisty, and always ready to make new friends. Students can visit Rough Neck and play with him all they want. Boxill’s only advice is that students should “approach him slowly, so he doesn’t get frightened and anti-social.”

After visiting the greenhouse, I can say that HU needs to get more animals. They make the place livelier and draw attention to the other things around them.

“Hopefully, the school can get more animals for the greenhouse,” Boxill says. “People usually don’t think of the greenhouse as a place to visit to see all kinds of plants, but because of the reptiles and animals that are now available, people are more excited about the greenhouse.”

The animals have become a necessity in the greenhouse. Soon, people will learn all about the diverse plants we have at the house. The carnivorous plants and the touch-sensitive plants could become the talk of the town thanks to the new cute animals.
Photo by Keila Funez