Kids rapt up in reptiles

By Melissa Grant
CHILDREN at Pakenham Childcare on McGregor got up close and personal with some slithery and scaly species on Tuesday.
The educational show Snake Busters visited the childcare centre and provided children with a hands-on experience for those game enough to hold one of the creatures.
Snake Busters’ Raymond Hoser, who runs the show, said most children got involved, although some were hesitant at first.
“It’s monkey see, monkey do. Once one of the kids held something they all wanted to hold it,” he said.
“At the end of it all we couldn’t get the kids away from them.”
The 90 minute show featured 20 snakes, including the top five deadliest of the species, lizards and frogs.
Mr Hoser, who has been handling snakes and other reptiles for most his 45 years, said the aim of the Snake Buster show was to educate children about the animals.
“Reptiles are not crazy animals trying to kill people like they see on TV,” he said.
“They learn about safety and not to approach them (snakes) in the bush.”
Mr Hoser, who has written books on wildlife smuggling, said the educational show was under threat as there was now a push to outlaw public contact with reptiles in the state.
“We’re fighting for the right of Victorians to have access to reptiles,” he said.