Reptiles: Real and Robotic

The Museum of Natural History is slithering away the winter blues with a new blockbuster show Reptiles: Real and Robotic, on display from Feb. 10 to May 21.

More than 4,000 square feet of museum space has been inhabited by larger-than-life robotic reptiles and live cold-blooded friends.

"Children will be totally amazed by eight huge robotic reptiles; including a five-meter Nile crocodile, and four-meter western diamond rattlesnake", said Jennifer Legere, museum interpreter.

Three enormous snake heads illustrate the different types of fangs.

"These models are such great teaching tools," said Ms. Legere.

The exhibit also includes a rattling display of live exotic reptiles too. There's a green iguana, argentine red tegu, blue tongue kink, giant day geckos, bearded dragon, milk snake and the ever-popular museum reptile resident, Gus, the 84-year-old gopher tortoise who is celebrating more than 60 years at the museum.

Reptiles are fascinating, complex creatures that live on every continent except Antarctica.

"The exhibit is designed to be fun and engaging and will appeal to many levels of interest," said Janet Maltby, museum manager. "It has all the elements to increase awareness of reptile behaviours, habitats, and an appreciation of these animals."

The museum has opened it vaults, too, and will be displaying curators' Picked Picks; a collection of rattle snakes, the esophagus of the Atlantic leatherback turtle, and the head of a Ganges crocodile dating back to the 1880s, an original specimen of the provincial museum collection.

Reptiles: Real and Robotic will be at the museum over March breaks of all three Maritime provinces.

"We truly enjoy taking a fascinating topic from nature and creating an entertaining experience," said Ms. Maltby. "With this exhibit the museum continues to be a valued destination of choice for young families."

The robotic reptiles are produced by Kokoro, the California-based company known for its realistic models displayed at museums around the world. The Museum of Natural History is located at 1747 Summer St. Admission is charged. There is free admission Wednesday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

For more info, call 902-424-6099 or see the museum website at nature.museum.gov.ns.ca .