BIG SNAKE TAKES CAKE AT FESTIVAL

MOST four-year-old children would shy away from spiders, snakes and crocs, but creepycrawlies and slithering reptiles have never been a problem for Theia Russell.

Rather than opt for a kitten or puppy, the animal lover chose to keep turtles and snakes as pets at home, something that her dad Steven Russell, said is pretty unique for kids her age.

So when the Toowoomba girl came face-to-face with reptiles at Cobb and Co Museum’s World Science Festival on Sunday, nothing could wipe the smile from her face.

“I love snakes and crocodiles because they’re cute, they can swim really fast and sometimes they have babies,” Theia said.

The real-life animal display was delivered by Geckoes Wildlife.

Other interactive displays at the event featured rocket launches, DIY slime, dinosaurs and crustacean X-rays.

Science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki also appeared via video-link to deliver a presentation.

The initiative was delivered by the Queensland Museum Network.

SNAKES ALIVE: Theia Russell is introduced to a Geckoes Wildlife albino carpet python and a freshwater crocodile at the World Science Festival Queensland community day at Cobb and Co Museum. Picture: Kevin Farmer