Giant Live Reptiles at the Museum
Nova Scotians young and old will be treated to one of the coolest, cold-blooded shows at the Museum of Natural History from Saturday, May 31 to Sunday, June 15.
Little Ray's Reptile Zoo will bring visitors into the world of pythons, alligators, the Nile Monitor -- cousin of the infamous Komodo dragon -- and more.
Little Ray and his trained zoo keepers have been offering educational shows about reptiles in Ontario and Quebec for more than a decade. Now, he is coming to Halifax with a special selection of reptiles specifically for the museum.
The show's jaw droppers will be This-Lady-Chomps-A-Lot, a 2.2-metre, 68 kilogram American alligator, and a 4.6-metre long African rock python.
"As a museum we strive to provide fun and interactive experiences but most importantly, we want our audiences to leave with a better sense and appreciation of these animals, their behaviours, habitats and global ecology," said Janet Maltby, museum manager.
Reptile shows take place throughout the 16-day show with weekday shows geared toward visiting school groups. Each show includes an exciting presentation with the chance to have a up-close and personal encounter with the critters.
"Little Ray's hands-on presentation is phenomenonal," said Haley Gregory, a teacher with Crystal Bay Elementary School in Ontario. "Ray's staff connect with their audience, no matter what their age. The information is so unique and interesting. You'll be blown away with what you experience."
The show also includes a large Snapping turtle, Spur-thighed tortoise, Red-footed tortoise, Cuviers Dwarf Caiman, Reticulated python, a Taiwan beauty snake, and a surprise animal guest.
Teachers who want to book the reptile experience should call the Museum of Natural History at 902-424-7353.
Admission is $5 for youths, $6 for adults and free for children under three years old.
Show times will take place Monday's to Saturday's at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. There will be an extra show on Wednesday's at 6:30 p.m. and free admission between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Sunday's will only have afternoon show times.
The Museum of Natural History is located at 1747 Summer St., Halifax. Details on all programs and costs of admission are available on the museum's website at http://nature.museum.gov.ns.ca or by calling 902-424-7353.