Snake show starts at sanctuary

A WILDLIFE sanctuary’s latest experience will give local children and families a firmer grasp on Australia’s slipperiest reptiles.

Jirrahlinga Wildlife Sanctuary has launched a new snake encounter, which gets patrons up close and personal with venomous snakes such as copperheads, tiger snakes, death adders and coastal taipans.

The show has an educational focus which aims to teach its audience about how the animals behave and react to crossing paths with humans in the wild, and – in the worst-case scenario – what to do if bitten.

“We’ve got some of the most lethal snakes in the entire world, and some species that are local to Geelong, the Surf Coast and the Bellarine,” the sanctuary’s head ranger Jack Gatto said.

“We show children how to avoid them and how to identify them – the difference between a tiger snake and say a coastal carpet python.

“We teach them how to avoid them and what to do if they see a snake. We show their defensive positioning and what they might see in the wild.”

Mr Gatto said the show also aimed to remove misconceptions about the slender serpents which would enable safer interactions in the wild.

“It’s the lack of education that gives people an irrational fear of these animals,” he said.

“When children see them they should know not to be outrageously scared of them and know what to do.

“Snakes want to flee at every opportunity when they’re in contact with people.

“Unfortunately, people think these snakes are going to bite you or they’re going to kill you, when realistically that’s not the case. Most people bitten by snakes are men trying to kill or catch snakes untrained.

“We really want it to have an impact, because we think it’s really good for kids.”

The show occurs under strict protocols with experienced handlers in a safe glass enclosure to ensure the safety of visitors.

It’s the latest offering from the Barwon Heads sanctuary which protects native Australian wildlife such as koalas, lizards, dingoes and other reptiles.

The snake encounter is on each Friday and Saturday at Jirrahlinga.