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Australian National Botanic Gardens
Growing, studying and promoting Australian plants

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GPO Box 1777
Canberra ACT 2601
AUSTRALIA

Telephone (02) 6250 9538
Facsimile (02) 6250 9528
Media enquiries: Sabrina Sonntag (M) 0431184787
 
NEWS RELEASE

Snakes Alive!

Featuring the endangered Corroboree Frog

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:

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



Updated 11 January, 2006 , webmaster, ANBG (anbg-info@anbg.gov.au)