Zoo animals bring new faces into credit union

What does an Uromastyx, a Great Horned Owl, and a Ball Python have in common?

They all recently visited SEG Federal Credit � Union in Laurel, Mont. to bring new faces into the building, help kids ��get wild about saving,�� and otherwise promote financial education.

��There is so much technology in today��s society and while we fully embrace the benefits and efficiencies it brings, we also don��t get to see our members as much as in the past,�� said SEG Vice President Danielle Kopp. ��This event was an opportunity for members and non-members to actually come in to the credit union.��

The fitting endeavor marked National Credit Union Youth Month and likely made a mark on the lives on those who attended. Local resident Phill Garnett, who is on his second stint serving on the credit union��s board of directors, stopped by for the event.

��I think this is great,�� the former school administrator said. ��It gives kids a chance to see us in a different way, and kids don��t forget things like this.��

Troy Paisley, director of education at Zoo Montana, said it was his first time taking animals into a financial institution in his three years in the position. ��Our main goal is to connect people with animals,�� he said.

Paisley said he loves the words of a former colleague who said if ��you can touch the heart, you can teach the mind.�� This, perhaps surprisingly, is something zoos and credit unions have in common. Credit unions, too, see people as the center of their business and embrace the principle of ��people helping people.��