Exotic animals for Kumeu
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Sheep, cows, pigs and goats are the norm at this weekend's Kumeu Show.
But bearded dragon lizards, blue-tongued skinks and fellow reptiles Myrtle and Yasmin – 20-year-old turtles – are just plain exotic.
They join eyeless fish, fire-bellied newts, bell frogs and giant stick insects from Oracle animal care workshops, an Auckland-based school holiday programme.
Sally Hibbard, a zoologist and animal lover, created the workshops for the many children and young people looking for an outlet to pursue their interest.
"I wanted to provide young animal enthusiasts with a practical hands-on experience where they can learn how to care for animals in a fun and stimulating environment," Ms Hibbard says.
"It's really exciting seeing the students' reactions when they are introduced to new animals and then can actually touch and interact with them. It's really rewarding work."
Older students are taught just what it takes to become a vet or a zookeeper – dream jobs for many – and even how to set up their own local pet-minding business.
"There is a lot of interest in animal careers at the moment, no doubt partly due to TV programmes on the subject, so this is a really popular part of the course" Ms Hibbard says.
As well as slippery and scaly critters, the team from Oracle Education also has chinchillas, which are little squirrel-like creatures with a high "cute" factor. Children will be able to see different breeds of rabbits and guinea pigs, take part in starfish races, and watch mice run through a giant maze. A "touch tank" with rock pool creatures is sure to fascinate, allowing an up-close look at some unusual marine life.
For information, see hippo.co.nz or phone 3762024.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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