General News
3 October, 2022
Wildlife lessons for young locals
The Goldfields Family Centre was treated to some special visitors of all shapes and sizes last week, with Snake Safe Victoria giving children a presentation on animal safety. Organised by staff as the weather warms up and snakes become more active...
The Goldfields Family Centre was treated to some special visitors of all shapes and sizes last week, with Snake Safe Victoria giving children a presentation on animal safety.
Organised by staff as the weather warms up and snakes become more active, the presentation brought a variety of animals into the family centre including dingos, pythons and kookaburras.
Goldfields Family Centre’s Sarah Reeves said it was an opportunity to expose children to different species and educate them about wildlife.
“We organised this session because we are coming into warmer weather and it’s a good reminder for children to be aware of the dangers of snakes in particular and to be careful,” she said.
“Some of these kids probably would never have seen a dingo and some of the other animals before so it’s a bit of fun but also educational.
“Being safe around animals is very important.”
Based in Kilmore, Snake Safe Victoria work with children and adults alike, giving presentations at kindergartens and aged care facilities.
Wildlife attendant Shaeleigh Kanters said it was important children were educated about all wildlife.
“Because we have such a volatile ecosystem, young kids being educated about snakes is incredibly important, especially with the number of venomous snakes we have,” she said.
“It’s also good to educate people on dingos and kookaburras, how they feed into our ecosystem and why they need to be protected — it’s hugely important.
“Another thing to note is it’s important for parents to teach their kids to be safe around domesticated animals and pets.
“Teaching them general manners around pets, like asking their owner before approaching is always a safe bet.”