CALABASAS, Calif. - Fans of all things slithery and scaly are invited to attend the Live Reptile and Amphibian Show at the Santa Monica Mountains Visitor Center on Sunday, May 18 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.
Guest speakers from Cal State Northridge, the National Park Service, Film Fauna International and UCLA will be speaking at 11, 12, 1 and 2:00 p.m. Topics include the California newt, venomous snakes, southern California lizards and the re-introduction of the California red-legged frog.
"We are very excited about sharing our love, knowledge and respect for reptiles and amphibians," said Sharon Shingai, chairperson of the Southwestern Herpetologists Society's Junior Herpers group. "We cordially invite all who are interested to explore the fascinating world of herpetology."
In addition to the special presentations, members of the group will be available throughout the event displaying approximately 100 live animals. Visitors are invited to gently touch most of the animals with two fingers.
The event will kick off with an opening ceremony conducted by Chumash elder Dennis Garcia. Live music will be performed by The Ranger Band, a 5-piece band made up of National Park Service rangers. Twelve-year-old herpetologist and soon-to-be-published photographer Nicholas Hess will display his photographs inside the visitor center.
The event is co-sponsored by Western National Parks Association, Southwestern Herpetologists Society, the National Park Service and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. For more information, call 805-370-2302.
DIRECTIONS: Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center is located at King Gillette Ranch, at 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, CA 91302. Free parking.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
