Ever wanted to feed a 50-pound tortoise? Or get up close and personal with a Reticulated Python?
11th annual Reptile Fest
Festival guests will enjoy animal touch tanks interpreted by Jody Karlin of Just Add Water, Southeastern Reptile Rescue’s 30-foot Reptile Wagon, local & exotic reptiles, face painting, tortoise feeding station, jump house, and crafts & games galore.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Oxbow Meadows, 3535 South Lumpkin Rd., Columbus
Admission: $5
Giant Snakes! program ~ At 11:30, visit our Natural History Center as Southeastern Reptile Rescue’s Jason Clark introduces you to Athena, a 15 ½ foot Reticulated Python. Delve into the fascinating world of the Earth’s largest species of snake, and learn how Athena became a permanent resident of Oxbow Meadows.
Hiss America Pageant ~If you’ve got a gorgeous pet lizard, snake or turtle you want to show the world, sign up your reptilian beauty for the Hiss America Pageant at noon. The pageant has only three rules: 1) All animals must be legal and/or permitted pets. 2) No venomous snakes are allowed. 3) All participants must sign a waiver to bring animals into Reptile Fest.
In order to give contestants more time to shine, the pageant will run a little differently this year. From noon until 1pm, contestants will each be given a station where they can stand with their pet and talk one-on-one with the festival audience – props and costumes are not only allowed, they’re encouraged! Guests may cast a vote for their favorite reptile between noon and 1pm, and Hiss America will be crowned at the end of the Southeastern Snake Encounter.
The Southeastern Snake Encounter program ~ Begins at 1pm under the big tent. This interactive crowd-favorite features Jason Clark and some of his amazing native reptiles. Discover the remarkable fauna that live right here in Georgia and learn how they play a vital role in our ecosystem.
Alligator Feeding ~ Stick around for the 2:30pm alligator feeding, and meet our four adult alligators: Seminole, Ann, Marie, and Satilla. Learn about alligator habitat and what humans can do to minimize our impact on it.
Click here for a schedule of events / times or for more information.
