June 19, 2009
2 – 4 pm
National Zoo
Washington DC RSA Fellow Robin Berrington has offered to host a special tour of the Reptile Discovery Center at the National Zoo in Washington, DC. Robin has been volunteering at the RDC for several years now, and as part of the tour will escort members “behind the scenes” showing them sections that ordinary visitors are unable to see. Robin can also discuss conservation problems as well as reptiles and the environment, and what zoos do to address the important issue of endangered species at home and abroad.
The RDC houses a number of snakes, including cobras, pythons, rattle snakes and vipers, as well as a variety of frogs, crocodiles, tortoises and lizards–including the popular komodo dragon. He should be able to feed some of the animals as well as bring out some live critters–of the non-venomous persuasion–for RSA members to meet up close. This tour is especially popular with children, although the very young may be frightened by some of the animals. Recommended for children 10 and above. Because of the limited space in the working areas, unfortunately, the number of visitors can not exceed 10. If demand is high, he can repeat the tour on another day.
Parking is available at the zoo, although it is also easily walkable from either Woodley Park or Cleveland Park Metro stations on the Red Line. There are a number of places to buy sandwiches, drinks and other snacks on the zoo grounds and we will enjoy a little picnic and a conversation after the visit.
To request a reservation please post a comment here. Robin can be reached by email at robin.berrington@verizon.net.
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Please can I reserve two places.
Thank you.
DINA
Will attend at Zoo on 19/6
It was wonderful to see kids at this event, all mesmerized by the amazing variety of reptiles on view. The two ten year olds were excited by everything that slithered while the fifteen year olds were more interested in the food storage area with its supplies of frozen rats and rabbits,complete with fur, and gigantic cockroaches the size of mice. Young and old were riveted as we watched – at very close quarters – as Wally, a large alligator, was given her meal of frozen rabbit. We also enjoyed the huge turtle who impersonates a rock and fishes for food using his tongue as a lure.
Robin talked about conservation and disappearing habitats, and how fungus and pollutants upset the natural balance of the ecosystem. Dina Gold appreciated learning how to distinguish really dangerous snakes from the rest according their colors.”Red touch yellow, kill a fellow. Red touch black, friend to Jack”. No doubt this will come in handy during Dina’s upcoming visit to Asia!
Thanks so much, Robin!