Lake Forest Parks & Recreation Brochures Summer & Camps 2021 | Page 61

Wildlife Discovery Center

Creature Feature

The California Academy of Sciences have collected and described numerous new species of reptiles and amphibians throughout Myanmar for more than twenty years now . The Burmese vine snake was among the many animals acquired during a particular 2000 expedition for exhibition at the facility ’ s Steinhart Aquarium . The Academy now has a superior exhibit and successful breeding program for Ahaetulla fronticincta , also sometimes referred to as Günther ’ s whipsnake .
A few years back , the Wildlife Discovery Center was the fortunate recipient of “ Mya ,” one of these elegant reptiles , courtesy of the academy . Unlike her parents , US Fish and Wildlife Service confiscations , Mya was born in captivity , as were her nine companions . With luck , they will become part of a captive breeding program under the auspices of the Species Survival Plan .
This particular member of the colubrid family ( Colubridae comprise the largest snake family – nearly a third of all species ) is a fishing snake . This pencil-thin creature will dangle above fish-laden waters , giving the appearance of an innocuous , dangling vine from the tip of its pointy nose to the end of its long tail . But that “ vegetation ” can suddenly spring to life and snap up an unsuspecting meal that has swum a wee bit too close . This “ rapid strike ” predation relies on good depth perception , and the forward-facing eyes of this particular genus provide that ability . Interestingly , we find the fangs of the members of the Ahaetulla genus at the back of their mouths , unlike those of vipers or cobras , whose fangs are located at the front of the upper jaw . Although this venom is not considered particularly threatening to humans or other large animals , it can , as it has evolved to do , paralyze their typical prey .
Mya and many other snakes like her are popular in the pet trade , but they require special habitat , nutrition , and care . They are best left in their native environment or the care of experts . Mya and friends have a special happy place with us . We look forward to your meeting them soon .

Classes

SATURDAY ZOOKEEPER ( 9-14Y ) Since 1997 , this program has provided opportunities for children to learn the complexities of caring for animals in captivity as well as putting those skills to use . Children learn proper handling , care and feeding , and biology of many animals as well as other aspects of captive animal management . Older students have an opportunity to develop their leadership skills while mentoring younger participants . IMPORTANT COVID INFORMATION : Although we fully expect to have this program onsite , should things change , we will complete the class via Zoom . While onsite , your child will be required to have his / her temperatures checked before being let out of a vehicle . Please make sure your child has a PPE as that must be worn at all times .
Location :
Southeast Classroom , Wildlife Discovery Center
Instructor :
Instructed by Wildlife Discovery Center Staff
Notes :
Space is limited to allow for maximum interaction .
CODE DAYS DATES TIME R / NR 30940101-01 Sa Jun 20 - Jul 25 9:00 am - 10:30 am $ 293 /$ 352
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