EAU CLAIRE — Herps Alive! — a hands-on reptile and amphibian program that was named Family Program of the Year by the National Association for Campus Activities — will be presented Monday, Oct. 23, at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.
          Herpetologist Keith Gisser will display his friendly "herptiles" from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Locust Lounge of Davies Center, and he will begin a formal lecture at 2 p.m. in the Tamarack Room of Davies Center. Both programs are free and open to all.
          Approximately two dozen animals are featured — including Sonny, a 13-foot, 70-pound Burmese python, and Dominique, a 4-foot, 20-pound American alligator. Audience members are invited to touch and hold the animals while learning about their natural habitat, care, and survival in captivity.
          "We try to present programs which are educational but, most importantly, fun," explained Gisser, who has kept, bred and sold reptiles and amphibians for more than 20 years. "It is very easy to stand in the front of a room and give a dry lecture on the physiology of a snake's lungs. When folks attending my program are actually holding the snake, feeling him breathe, it is far more effective."
          The program is sponsored by the University Activities Commission of the UW-Eau Claire Student Senate.
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JS/BW

[Administrative Offices] [News Bureau]

Updated: Oct. 10, 2000