By Kath Gannaway
A BRAND-NEW outdoor enclosure will ensure that Healesville Primary School’s reptile collection will have a chance to bask in the sun … when the temperature climbs a bit.
Parent Darren Robins built the enclosure over the school holidays and Shane Donkin from Healesville Building Supplies donated the materials for the job.
Members of the school’s Zoo Keepers Wildlife Squad thanked them last week and introduced them to some of the lizards and snakes that would benefit from their handiwork.
The reptile project started with some bearded dragons last year and they were an instant hit with the Grade 4 and 5 students according to teacher Becky Marley.
The squad now looks after a collection which includes the dragons, diamond and children’s pythons and various other lizards.
For Josh, who was a bit unsure about whether his parents would go along with lizards and snakes in the house, being a zoo keeper at school is a unique opportunity to learn about and care for a fascinating group of animals.
Jack and Lilly said keeping reptiles at home and at school taught them about responsibility … and were great fun to look after.
“The kids prepare their food, clean their enclosures and make sure they get exercise, including taking them outside from time to time,” Ms Marley said.
The new enclosure, which can be viewed from outside or through a window from the main office, is a win/win for kids and critters.
All the students get to enjoy the reptiles and the reptiles get to bask in the sun … and the admiration, of their ever-increasing fan club.
