It was over 100 degrees in the Farm-in-the-Zoo. The sun was burning onto the stage where I stood and into the open tent where 13-year-old Jahdiel Smith was setting up his dissecting instruments. He pulled out three fetal pigs and waited for me, his 4-H leader, to announce his demonstration.
“It stinks,” one father said, taking his son by the arm and beginning to pull him away.
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A day-camp group walked over to see what was going on. Jahdiel was taking out the fetal pig’s intestines.
“What’s the green stuff?” one of the adults with the day campers asked.
Another large day-camp group entered the farm area. One of Jahdiel’s friends ran up to them. “Do you want to see a demonstration on how to dissect a pig?” she asked.
Almost every child raised their hand. “OK,” he said, pointing to a young girl. “Sit over here.”
“He’s demonstrating how to dissect a fetal pig.”