Right: Molly, 10, from Carrum Downs handled a snake with care at the Centro Shopping Centre in Cranbourne last week. 26202
CROWDS flocked to Centro Shopping Centre last week for some slippery, scaly snake action.
The owner of Snakebusters, Raymond Hoser, led the snake shows and said hundreds of people attended throughout the week.
Children had the opportunity to handle non-venomous snakes and reptiles and get up close and personal with some of Australia’s deadliest during the shows, which ran for six days at the Cranbourne shopping centre.
“It was a hugely popular week. Kids can actually hold snakes and meet and greet the animals,” Mr Hoser said.
Lyndhurst resident Pauline, 54, brought her daughter to one of the shows for the first time last year, and said it was great to watch the kids enjoy themselves and pay attention.
“It’s the best show I’ve seen as far as information and education,” she said.
“It’s a credit to the performer. Children are having fun but being educated at the same time and it’s free, which is fantastic.”
Mr Hoser said some children conquered their fears of snakes during his shows.
“It’s always great to see children get over their fears. But we actually tell people during our shows that it’s good to be afraid of snakes in the real world. They don’t run around trying to kill you, they are quite casual animals most of the time, but our shows offer people the opportunity to hold non-venomous snakes.”
