It’s World Snake Day and the locally based National Reptile Zoo is marking the date.
It has a week-long programme of interactive animal encounters, educational talks and other experiences at the Kilkenny city offering which was set up by local man James Hennessy (stay tuned to hear him on The KCLR Daily this morning).
Home to more than 100 animals representing over 60 species from across the globe, its collection of snakes alone includes king cobras, mambas, giant pythons and rhinoceros rat snakes.
Zoo Director and Herpetologist James says “World Snake Day is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on some of the world’s most misunderstood animals. Snakes play an essential role in healthy ecosystems, yet many species are facing increasing threats from habitat loss and human activity. At the National Reptile Zoo, we’re passionate about helping people see these incredible animals in a new light through hands-on experiences, education and conservation. There’s nothing quite like seeing someone’s fear turn into fascination after meeting a snake up close, and that’s what this day is all about. We look forward to welcoming visitors of all ages to celebrate with us and discover why snakes deserve our respect and protection.”
He and his team are launching the new ‘Reptile of the Month’ series on Instagram (@thenationalreptilezoo), giving followers the opportunity to discover a different animal each month through fascinating facts, behind-the-scenes content and insights.
Find out more online here.
