AlintaGas commended for sponsoring new herpetarium; reptile house

June 5, 1997

Reptiles are about to make a resurgence in Western Australian schools through the Perth Zoo's new AlintaGas herpetarium, or reptile house.

Slithering snakes and lizards, as well as tortoises and frogs, make up the herpetarium of 50 animals covering more than 25 species from WA, regional and exotic origins.

Opening the AlintaGas Reptile House today with Environment Minister Cheryl Edwardes, Energy and Education Minister Colin Barnett said he was pleased that such a large and informative educational facility would now be available to all WA schoolchildren.

He also complimented AlintaGas on its sponsorship of the herpetarium, signalling the corporation's commitment to conservation and education.

"I am sure the AlintaGas herpetarium will be a great success," Mr Barnett said.

"I congratulate the Perth Zoo on its initiative in building such a display devoted to reptiles and AlintaGas for making the herpetarium a reality.

"With more than 65,000 school children visiting Perth Zoo each year, the reptile house will be well viewed and, I am sure, will fascinate many students.

"I am also pleased to launch the Rapt in Reptiles teachers resource package, a 75-page education booklet that all teachers will receive when they bring children for tours around the zoo."

Mr Barnett said that AlintaGas was involved in a major sponsorship program of the reptile house, which had taken seven months to complete.

Media contact: Justine Whittome (08) 9222 9699