Reptile Zoo

By Miss Melinda Hamilton, Junior School Teacher

Kindergarten students have enjoyed visits to the Canberra Reptile Zoo over the past week to support their investigations into ‘How the World Works’. These visits have allowed students to learn about the features of reptiles including their body covering, diet and habitats.

After a very funny and informative session with Peter the reptile expert, students got to explore the zoo, getting to touch some animals including a possum, lizards, turtles and a python snake. A highlight of the visit was viewing Charlie the crocodile as well as many of the poisonous snakes in the tanks.

Kindergarten students learnt that reptiles are cold blooded. Snakes don’t want to bite you, they only do so if they are feeling threatened. In Canberra all snakes are poisonous so if we see one, you stand still and call an adult for help. Turtles' shells are made of bone and are a great way to protect themselves from predators. If you find one on the road, don’t pick it up or it will wee on you in self-defence. We saw a cool lizard that had a pretend head for its tail. This helps to confuse its predators.

Students enjoyed a picnic lunch in the courtyard and then a chance to play in the playground. Climbing up and along the large Komodo dragon model was a highlight, as was digging for fossils in the sandpit.

The best part was getting to see Charlie and crocodile and touch all the lizards. The have scales and are smooth to touch – Reuben

My favourite part was when I knew about an animal Peter had not heard of. I was brave and got to touch the python snake – Isabella

I saw lots of fish and a frog – Felix

It was fun when I got to dig in the sandpit and find the fossils – Avery