Big smile for a reptile
IF IT has scales or a tail, there's a good chance you'll find it at the Ipswich Showgrounds.
A celebration of all things slithery is creeping into town, with the aim of showing off the friendlier side of the critters that usually send people running for high ground.
The Scales and Tails Reptile Festival is an annual celebration organised by the Ipswich-based owners of Scales and Tails Australia - a leading reptile magazine with a following in Australia and overseas.
With the help of good friends and fellow conservationists Bob Irwin and Snakebytes reptile channel creator Brian Barczyk, the Kuligowski family - including mum Joy and sons Troy and Denver - will provide hands-on demonstrations involving a variety of stunning snakes.
Reptile breeders and keepers from across the country will showcase their reptiles, as well as answer any questions, provide information and share their tips, secrets and wisdom.
"This is the perfect opportunity to check out an amazing array of snakes, lizards, turtles, crocodiles and monitors," Mrs Kuligowski said.
An experienced snake breeder and handler from Lowood, Troy Kuligowski will show some of his rare albino olive pythons.
Mr Kuligowski said education was the key to ensuring these beautiful creatures survived in healthy numbers in Australia.
"We try to show people that most times when people are bitten by a snake is when they try to chase or kill one," he said.
Scales and Tails Reptile Festival will be at the Ipswich Showgrounds, November 10 from 9am-4pm. Entry is $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.
