Reptile expert and conservationist Bruce Shwedick will be the featured guest at the Virginia Living Museum Feb. 17-19 as part of the museum’s annual “Reptiles! Bizarre and Beautiful” weekend.

Meet members of the world’s most fascinating family of animals during Shwedick’s educational and entertaining Reptile Discovery program. This program features a yellow-footed tortoise from Brazil, an alligator snapping turtle from the Mississippi river, a Nile crocodile, an anaconda and “Banana Boy,” a 16-foot albino python from Thailand. Learn about their natural history and conservation and don’t forget your camera!

Shewdick has shared his knowledge and fascination of reptiles with audiences of all ages in schools and on college campuses in 35 states. He lectures annually on the biology of venomous snakes and snakebite for medical personnel serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. As a member of the IUCN/SSC (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources/Species Survival Commission) Crocodile Specialist Group he is actively involved in the conservation of endangered crocodilians found in the Caribbean and throughout Africa and Asia. He has authored numerous articles on crocodile husbandry and conservation and is an instructor for the AZA’s (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) Crocodilian Biology and Captive Management Course. Known as Croc School, this professional development course for zookeepers and aquarists is held each year in Florida at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm and Zoological Park.

Reptiles are perhaps the most misunderstood and most feared creatures on earth, but the staff at the Virginia Living Museum wants the public to see their fascinating and attractive aspects as well.

Museum visitors can see a wide variety of native and exotic reptiles and amphibians on display. See an African Spurred Tortoise and all three venomous snakes found in Virginia: rattlesnake, cottonmouth and copperhead.

Exotic reptiles will be displayed by Virginia Reptile Rescue and the Foundation for Iguana Rescue, Safety and Training (FIRST Inc.). These two programs shelter and find new homes for pet reptiles and educate people about the life-long commitment they are making when they purchase a reptile. Visitors will also see displays by the Virginia Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Virginia Herpetology Society. These special guests will be present Saturday and Sunday only.

There will also be live animal presentations throughout the day with reptiles native to Virginia. Children can make crafts and enjoy games and themed events.

The museum will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Monday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Admission is $13 for adults and $10 for children (ages 3 to 12). Children ages 2 and under and members are free.

The Virginia Living Museum is located at 524 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News (I-64, exit 258-A).

Call 757-595-1900 for further information or check the web site at www.thevlm.org.

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