Reptile show opens at Abu Dhabi seaside

Hundreds of people gathered at the Abu Dhabi seaside yesterday to see huge snakes and crocodiles that arrived in the UAE for an international reptile exhibition.

The exhibition, near Marina Shopping Mall at the capital's breakwater, captured the interest of visitors and students, including scores of children.

The show will remain open until May 5 and includes more than 100 snakes and other reptiles.

Among the wonders of the exhibition are two snakes of between 60 and 70 kilos in weight and up to seven metres in length. Bearded dragons, crocodiles, geckos and snakes are a few of the many reptiles exhibited in tanks, some of which are filled with water.

Nasr Abdel Humid Talaba, director of the exhibition, said the purpose of the show is to increase awareness about reptiles.

He emphasised the importance of knowledge when it comes to dealing with snakes and other reptiles. "I am very happy when a student or a child comes to me and asks about the different kinds of reptiles and how to deal with them," he said.

The show is being held under tight supervision, making it safe for children to enjoy the reptiles.

Many visitors had their pictures taken while holding snakes that have been tamed and seemed to enjoy human company.

Juma'a Salem, a visitor, said: "The dominant idea of snakes is that they are poisonous. I wouldn't want children to think that they are not and then get bitten by one."

Having inherited the trade from his forefathers, Nasr says such beliefs are nothing but "myths instilled in us by past generations".

"My aim is to develop a love for reptiles in people. Unfortunately, people have the idea that all snakes are poisonous and this is wrong. Being aware of the different species of snake makes it easier for people to safeguard against harmful ones," said Nasr, who plans to open a reptile shop in Abu Dhabi.