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Binder Park Zoo

Contact: Kari Parker

Marketing Manager

Phone (269) 979-1351 ext.154

Email kparker@binderparkzoo.org

Reptile Weekend Slithers Back to Binder Park Zoo August 5 & 6

BATTLE CREEK MI, July 12, 2006— Snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles and more! Binder Park Zoo is crawling with over 100 reptiles and amphibians during their largest weekend event, Reptile Weekend. On August 5 and 6, the zoo welcomes the Michigan Society of Herpetologists (MSH) back to wow guests with their amazing collection of captivating creatures. Reptile Weekend sheds light on these often misunderstood reptiles and amphibians by giving guests the up close and personal encounter that Binder Park Zoo is known for.

Herpetology experts from the MSH will be readily available to guests throughout the event. Reptile Weekend is the perfect opportunity for reptile and amphibian owners to ask questions or get ideas on how to better care for their pet.  Those considering becoming a reptile owner will find advice from the experienced MSH members invaluable. “We recognize how important these animals are to the environment and strive to share that message with the public through education as well as conservation efforts,” states Eric Tobin, President of the MSH.

Guests will find their fears fading into fascination as they discover reptiles and amphibians’ amazing abilities. An interesting fact about snakes is that their forked tongues allow them to distinguish if their prey is to the left or to the right of them. Another is that the wood frog can survive an artic winter even when 65% of its fluids are frozen solid and it has no heartbeat or measurable brain activity!

Binder Park Zoo’s summer guest, Crunch, will fit right in with the Reptile Weekend crowd. Joining the 165 pound alligator snapping turtle will be representatives from the world’s three largest snake species: the green anaconda, the reticulated python and the Burmese python. A terrific chance to see many different animals, Reptile Weekend also features alligators, crocodiles, lizards, frogs, toads and more! There will even be a “Herp Pond” game complete with prizes.

Reptile Weekend is Saturday, August 5 from 9:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 6 from 11:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. Crunch, the alligator snapping turtle, will be at Binder Park Zoo through Labor Day. All Reptile Weekend activities are included in the price of regular Binder Park Zoo admission. For more information about Reptile Weekend or Binder Park Zoo, contact the zoo at (269) 979-1351 or visit the zoo online at www.binderparkzoo.org. For more information about the Michigan Society of Herpetologists visit www.michherp.org.