Reptile Rampage gives families hands-on experience

Families had their hands full Sunday with turtles, lizards, snakes and other critters at Reptile Rampage, the annual spring fundraiser for the Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest.

Representatives from museums, universities and zoos and elsewhere brought more than 150 animals for visitors to meet, handle and learn about. There also were crafts and other activities for kids.

"This is an event to bring in families and kids and let them understand why reptiles are important," said Rob Carmichael, curator of the Wildlife Discovery Center. "This is a fun event with lots of hands-on opportunities. This is like going to a zoo but better because you get so many hands-on opportunities to work with the animals and touch the animals."

The Wildlife Discovery Center, which is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year, is a living museum and biological station where visitors can be eye to eye with nature. It is at the historic Elawa Farm alongside Middlefork Savanna, a 670-acre wildlife habitat.

After wearing a six-foot-long eastern indigo snake around his neck, Highland Park resident Adam Nemirow placed it on the neck of his 7-year-old daughter, Rebekah.

"I think it's an absolutely fantastic experience for them. To be able to learn about reptiles and different animals and that hopefully, in the future, they will want to help protect," Nemirow said.