Australian National Botanic Gardens Growing, studying and promoting Australian plants
	GPO Box 1777 Canberra ACT 2601 AUSTRALIA	Telephone (02) 6250 9546 Facsimile (02) 62509599 Media enquiries: Paul Ziesing (M) 0418 955 661

The best snakes are live snakes

Love them or loathe them - snakes, crocodiles, lizards, frogs and turtles are amazing.

As part of our Summer program of events and activities, the Botanic Gardens in Canberra is displaying over 60 live snakes, crocodiles, frogs, lizards and turtles – some of which you can touch.

The Australian National Botanic Gardens and the ACT Herpetological Association have joined forces for the fourth year to present an exhibition of live (and some not so live) snakes, crocodiles, lizards, frogs and other reptiles and amphibian animals.

Along with the opportunity for a close encounter with live reptiles there are special lunchtime talks by local experts:

• Wednesday 21 January – Equatorial reptiles (Professor Arthur Georges)
• Thursday 22 January – Dragons in the Gardens (Dr Sean Doody)
• Friday 23 January – Frog mysteries of the Canberra region (Dr Will Osborne)

Visitors to the exhibition can learn:

• about these creatures’ remarkable lives
• why we need to conserve them
• how we can help save their habitats
• what is involved in keeping your own frog or lizard as a pet

Remember, the Australian National Botanic Gardens extends its opening hours during summer, closing at 8:00 pm daily, and conducts free guided walks every day. Special twilight walks are available at 6:00 pm each Wednesday evening during January and February.

For more information, contact the Visitor Centre on 6250 9540 or visit our website at www.anbg.gov.au/anbg

When? Monday 19 January to Sunday 25 January 2004, 10 am to 4 pm.

Where? Education Centre, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Clunies Ross Street, ACTON

Who? Everyone. Bookings not necessary. Inquiries ph:(02) 6250 9540

Cost? Adults $3, Children $2, Family group$5

Media contact: Paul Ziesing

paul.ziesing@deh.gov.au

22 January 2004