ABQ BioPark Zoo Hosts Amphibian and Reptile Discovery Day Learn All About Scales, Scutes and Skins Visit the Zoo's Colores Education Building on Saturday, January 21 for the Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Day.
GardenNews.biz - Jan 18,2012 - ABQ BioPark Zoo Hosts Amphibian and Reptile Discovery Day
Learn All About Scales, Scutes and Skins
ALBUQUERQUE, NM-Visit the Zoo's Colores Education Building on Saturday, January 21 for the Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Day. Learn about the rough scales of a snake, keratin-based shells of turtles and moist skin of frogs.
Even though the Reptile and Amphibian building is closed, you can still get an up-close look at snakes, turtles and salamanders. Discovery Stations in the Colores building will feature biofacts like skeletons and skins while hands-on crafts will help teach guests about these amazing ectothermic animals.
"Some people will be surprised to find out that snakes aren't slimy, but are actually covered in scales that are dry and smooth," said Megan Lanigan, Zoo Education Coordinator. "Amphibians are the animals with moist, sticky skin. Turtles have shells covered in scutes which are made of keratin, just like our fingernails and hair."
If you've ever wondered about the life and work of a zookeeper, be sure to swing by between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Reptile enthusiasts and amphibian aficionados will enjoy conversations with BioPark reptile and amphibian zookeepers, and may even encounter some special herptile guest appearances.
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Day activities are included with regular admission.
The BioPark is an accessible facility and a division of the Cultural Services Department, City of Albuquerque, Richard J. Berry, Mayor. For more information, visit www.abqbiopark.com or call 311 locally or (505) 768-2000 (Relay NM or 711).
