An International Reptile Exhibition is encouraging
visitors to hold snakes and learn more about them at Global Village
When you visit Global Village, you expect to find a variety of handicrafts, manufactured goods, cuisines and cultural events from various countries. But did you know that you could also see a variety of reptiles from around the globe?
The International Reptile Exhibition, organised by UAE national Salem Al Ketbi, includes a display of over 20 species of snakes from the UAE and abroad as well as other interesting creatures such as iguanas, monitor lizards, geckos, gerbils, scorpions and hedgehogs.
'Beauty'
"Snakes are beautiful and fascinating creatures, but most people are afraid of them. Through this display I want visitors, especially children to learn more about reptiles, to understand their role in nature and to appreciate their beauty.
"The snakes we have here are not poisonous and we want to encourage people to hold them, have photographs taken with them and to overcome their fear," said Al Ketbi.
"I have invited Egyptian reptile expert Nasser Ahmad Sayed Hussain to educate visitors about the habitats and habits of the various species displayed at the exhibition," he added.
Habits
The display is well organised with information about each creature's scientific name, natural habitat and feeding habits neatly presented on the glass cases.
The exhibits include tiny sand snakes barely visible in the sand, horned vipers, bright orange milk snakes, rubber boas, a tree python that looks comfortable curled around a branch, rope like garter snakes and rat snakes from different regions.
If you are lucky, you might see a snake shedding its skin or being fed pieces of meat or mice.
Pythons
Other interesting displays include monitor lizards with long tails and pointed snouts, furry-legged tarantulas, tortoises, a group of black emperor scorpions, cane toads beautifully camouflaged amid some rocks, and some flying squirrels with lovely brush-like tails.
The pride of place at this exhibition belongs to the pythons. A huge Burmese python watches intently from its cage in the centre of the room as visitors enter the venue.
It looks menacing but is quite harmless. Hussain invited us to hold it and the python obligingly posed for pictures with us.
The ball python tightly curled up in its cage is equally interesting. There is also a rare and beautiful albino python on display.
"This is a baby. It will grow up to six metres in length," said Hussain.
Go there
The International Reptile Exhibition is located close to Gate 3 at the Global Village. Entry costs is Dh10 for adults and Dh5 for children.
