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PICTURE OF THE WEEK: Water-skiing Squirrel

Have you ever wanted to learn to water-ski? It's not an easy skill to learn, but it may easier than you think. In fact, it's so easy that a squirrel can learn to do it! A woman from Florida, Lou Ann Best, teaches squirrels to water-ski.

The famous water-skiing squirrel is named Twiggy. She's been featured on TV shows like the "Rosie O'Donnell Show" and "Good Morning America." Twiggy performs on a pair of miniature water skis. She is pulled by a remote control boat.

But there's a secret about the water-skiing squirrel. More than one exists! Lou Ann Best has trained lots of squirrels to water-ski--and she names them all Twiggy. Each Twiggy performs in shows for about 5 years. After that time has passed, the current Twiggy retires and a new one takes her place. Once they retire, the squirrels are usually released back into the wild after receiving the appropriate care.

Twiggy isn't just a performer. She's a teacher, too. Twiggy wears a life jacket every time she skis to teach us about water safety. Life vests are essential whenever you're around water.

--Written by Katheryn Troyer

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