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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