It is an exciting time for Reptile World, as some new reptiles are set to display at the facility.
A Red Spitting Cobra and Crocodile Monitor will make their home at Reptile World, and it is creating quite a buzz for both tourists and employees.
“I have been handling reptiles for 23 years, and it is still a very exciting feeling when you get a new reptile to handle,” said zookeeper Shawn Fraser.
The Crocodile Monitor is typically the longest lizard
in the world with documented lengths of 15 feet, and stories of some
reaching 19 feet, told by tribesman deep in the heart of the Papua New
Guinea jungles. These incredibly beautiful lizards are also known to
have the longest tail, longest claws, and longest teeth of any living
monitor lizard species.
“We have to be very careful when handling this
lizard,” said Fraser. “They like to attack your eyes and can do so with
either their razor sharp claws, teeth, or will even use their tail as a
whip. One of the first times I handled one, it came within inches of
taking my eye out.”
The Red Spitting Cobra is most renowned for their
infamously remarkable spitting fangs that allow the cobra to actually
spray venom accurately into the face and eyes of predators. When the
cobra wants to spray its venom at a threat, it aims its open mouth, as
specialized muscles contract the venom gland, forcing the cobra’s venom
out through its fangs. Staff will be well prepared when the cobra
arrives.
“We will have masks and full gear when handling the
cobra. It will likely not spray, but we’ll be prepared, just in case.”
said Fraser.
The Crocodile Monitor has already arrived at the facility, and the Red Spitting Cobra is expected to arrive any day.
Public feeding at Reptile World happens at 5 p.m. on
Saturdays during the summer, and is always a popular time to see the
reptiles in action.
