NOT YOUR GARDEN VARIETY REPTILES!

Reptiles have crept, crawled and slithered from all over the globe to invade the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science RCenter in Downtown Mobile. Called Reptile Planet, this new exhibit features 30 live, exotic creatures from more than 20 different countries and is open now through Oct. 24.

REPTILE PLANET Now - October 24 EXHIBIT ONLY TICKETS (Permanent and Reptile Planet) Adults (19-59) - $13.00 Seniors (60+) - $11.50 Youth (13-18) - $11.50 Child (2-12) - $11.00 COMBO TICKETS (Permanent, Reptile Planet and IMAX) Adults (19-59) - $17.00 Seniors (60+) - $16.00 Youth (13-18) - $16.00 Child (2-12) - $14.50 MEMBER RATE Members receive free admission for permanent exhibits. Each member pays only $1.25 to see Reptile Planet. The largest traveling reptile exhibit in the world, Reptile Planet's objective is to help the public gain a new perspective on creatures that are often seen as frightening and harmful. In addition, families can explore the biodiversity of the globe as they visit snakes, lizards, turtles and more from countries like Madagascar, India, Sri Lanka and Costa Rica. The exhibit offers visitors an opportunity to see reptiles such as the western dia- mondback rattlesnake, gila monster, Burmese python and saltwater crocodile in naturalistic habitats.

GULF COAST EXPLOREUM SCIENCE CENTER 65 Government St. Downtown Mobile Exit 26B off Interstate 10 (251) 208-6873 www.exploreum.com HOURS OF OPERATION Mon - Fri 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday Noon - 5:00 pm If the live reptiles weren't enough excitement for children already, there are also many interactive activities for visitors to explore, such as "milking" a viper or learning to "speak crocodile" in less than five minutes. Feeding demonstrations are also conducted daily.

"Like everything at the Exploreum, the Reptile Planet exhibit is both entertaining and educational," said Hela Sheth, marketing and public relations director. "The exhibit has seen strong attendance numbers to date, and we hope this trend continues as tourism to the area has been down due to the negative effects of the oil spill."

Sheth said that local interest in the exhibit has exceeded expectations, based on the number of visitors the Exploreum saw in the first few weeks. More than 1,300 guests experienced Reptile Planet on opening day, and 8,500 came through during the first 10 days.

Bria Igo, 13, and her mom traveled from Milton, Fl. to see Reptile Planet. Her favorite creatures were the snake-necked turtles.

"I had never seen anything like those turtles before," said Igo. "They were snakes and turtles allin one, which was really neat to see."

Due to the large attendance numbers, visitors to the Exploreum are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at www.exploreum.com. Tickets may also be purchased upon arrival to the Exploreum at its Box Office.