Australian National Botanic Gardens |
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Telephone (02) 6250 9538 Facsimile (02) 6250 9528 Media enquiries: Sabrina Sonntag (M) 0431184787 |
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The Australian National Botanic Gardens will launch a special exhibition by the ACT Herpetological Association of more than 100 live snakes, crocodiles, frogs, lizards and turtles today (Monday 16 January)at 1:00pm as part of the Gardens’ summer program of events. The Hon Jon Stanhope MLA, ACT Chief Minister and Minister for the Environment, will open the Snakes Alive! Exhibition, which will run from 16 to 22 January 2006 from 10:00 am.
Special guests at this year’s exhibition are endangered Northern Corroboree Frogs from Environment ACT’s captive breeding project at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. T his project involves collecting eggs from the wild and raising frogs in captivity for future release in the wild to boost survival chances.
“Events such as this are important in promoting our wildlife and stimulating interest in its conservation, ” Mr Stanhope said.
“ Corroboree frogs are so rare and secretive that they are almost impossible to see in the wild. This is the first time Corroboree frogs have been displayed to the general public in the ACT. ”
Along with the opportunity for a close encounter with live reptiles and amphibians there are special activities and lunchtime talks by local experts:
Monday 16 January 1 pm Crosbie Morrison Amphitheatre – Launch of the Exhibition by ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope.
Tuesday 17 January 11am Crosbie Morrison Amphitheatre – Reptiles as Pets. A talk by Peter Child of the ACT Herpetological Association.
Wednesday 18 January 12:30pm Theatrette– Breeding Programs of Corroboree Frogs and Strategies for their Re-establishment in the Wild. A talk by Gerry Marantelli of the Amphibian Research Centre, Melbourne.
Herptile Hunts – Join us for a free hunt around the Gardens for reptiles at 11am and 2pm each day of Snakes Alive!
During January the Australian National Botanic Gardens has extended opening hours, closing at 6:00 pm weekdays and 8pm weekends. There are free guided walks every day. For more information, contact the Visitor Centre on 6250 9540 or visit our website at www.anbg.gov.au/anbg
What: Snakes Alive! exhibition
When: Monday 16 to Sunday 22 January
Hours: 10am – 4pm weekdays; 10am – 6pm Saturday and Sunday
Where: Crosbie Morrison Building – Australian National Botanic Gardens
Cost: $2 Child $4 Adult $10 Family (max 2 adults)
Media contact: Sabrina Sonntag
Communications Officer
(02) 6250 9538
(M)
0431 184 787
sabrina.sonntag@deh.gov.au
10 January 2006