Hop, wiggle or crawl to the Museum for Reptile and Amphibian Day
Reptile expert and conservationist Bruce Shwedick, featured guest
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 1, 2007
Science, Features, Education, Calendar Editors
Contact: Emelia.Cowans@ncmail.net
RALEIGH ― So many amazing snakes, even St. Patrick wouldn't drive them away! What better way to spend a holiday devoted to 'all things green' than to come face-to-face with emerald tree boas, green tree frogs, and a host of other toads, salamanders, turtles, lizards, crocodilians and yes,snakes. On Saturday, March 17 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., all four floors of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences will be transformed for the 14th annual Reptile and Amphibian Day.
The free educational public event has grown in stature and popularity since its inception, and this year will feature more than 50 exhibits, activities and presentations. "Visitors will see hundreds of live reptiles and amphibians, and learn how they can get involved in statewide conservation efforts starting with just a little effort in their own back yard," said Bob Flook, the Museum's Coordinator of Educational Events. In addition to native North Carolina species, the event will feature many live exotic and colorful animals from around the world, including a large yellow anaconda, poison dart frogs, and a variety of crocodiles.
Visitors are also encouraged to experience Reptile Discovery with Bruce Shwedick at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m in the Museum's first floor auditorium. This educational and entertaining program introduces you to the world's most fascinating family of animals--reptiles. Each program features a yellow-footed tortoise from Brazil, an Alligator snapping turtle, a Nile crocodile, a rhinoceros iguana and a Gila monster. The program also features a variety of snakes, including "Banana Boy," a 16-foot Albino Burmese python from Thailand. Information presented will focus on their natural history, geography and conservation in a manner that audience members of all ages can appreciate and enjoy.
Other presentations like Chameleons: Unbelievable Lizards by Eric Adrignola of the Chamaeleo Research Group in Huntsville, Alabama and Veterinary Care for Reptiles and Amphibians with Dr. Dan Johnson of Avian and Exotic Animal Care in Raleigh, can be seen in the Museum's Windows on the World, a mini-amphitheater located on the 3rd floor, at varying times throughout the day. In addition, a new and improved returning exhibit station, Were Dinosaurs Reptiles?,will now feature the latest scientific research from Museum paleontologist and renowned scientist, Dr. Mary Schweitzer.
Visitors of all ages will enjoy this special event. Families can learn how to find and identify amphibians in their own back yards, or ask questions of our resident experts and learn the differences between reptiles and amphibians, what defines a frog and a toad, and why salamanders are nature's litmus test. Additional exhibits include advice for potential "herp" (reptile and amphibian) pet owners. Kids can enjoy Scales & Tails Bingo, and a craft activity will be offered for those 7 and under.
Reptile and Amphibian Day is co-sponsored by Weyerhaeuser and the North Carolina Herpetological Society. Admission is free. Lunch, snacks and beverages will be available on Bicentennial Plaza and at the Acro Café on the fourth floor. A special Herp Shop also will offer for sale a selection of T-shirts, posters and books on reptiles and amphibians. For more details on Reptile and Amphibian Day, please call (919) 733-7450, ext. 503.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 West Jones St., Raleigh, documents and interprets natural history of the state of North Carolina through exhibits, research, collections, publications and educational programming. Hours: Mon-Sat., 9am – 5pm and Sun., Noon – 5pm. Admission is free. Find more information on the web at www.naturalsciences.org. The Museum is an agency of the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross, Secretary.
Weyerhaeuser is an environmentally responsible, international forest products company with nearly 50,000 employees in 18 countries, mostly in the United States and Canada. They are number 90 in FORTUNE magazine's ranking of America's largest corporations for 2006.
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