Topeka Zoo director shares a scaly friend with Natasha Trelfa
10:54 a.m. Friday, June 15, 2007
Mike Coker is the Director of the Topeka Zoo. The zoo has a program for children to learn more about different animals of the world. He brought along his friend Brian. Brian is a New Guinea Blue Tongued Skink. The are native to Australia and New Guinea.
"He has very tough skin," Coker said. "He is used to the warmer temperatures. His skin kind of protects him a little bit."
The New Guinea Blue Tongued Skink is one of the largest species of skink. They can grow up to two feet long.
Skinks are animals that the children really enjoy. Coker encourages children to interact with the animal and to learn more about it.
"We want them to get up close and personal with these animals," Coker said. "We want them to learn more about skinks and different types of lizzards, snakes, birds, and other small mammals. We do have tarantulas and scorpions in the program. We try to reassure mom and dad that they are there as a teaching tool and not to harm the children."
The educational program runs through July. Each week the program has a different theme for different age groups. Interested parents can get more information by calling (785) 368-9180.
Coker has some new things to be excited about at the zoo. They have some new lion cubs. He said they are doing very well.
"Their mother, Ashante, is a first-time mom," Coker said. "The cubs look very good. Probably later this summer they will make their debut into the exhibit."
The zoo would like to encourage visitors to come out on Saturday for the Father's Day event. Dad gets in free with one paid admission. There are also several promotions going on within the zoo.
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