Reptiles rule at shopping centre

HUNDREDS of people packed Centro Cranbourne Shopping Centre this week to feast their eyes on venomous snakes and other reptiles.
The Snakebusters Show provided a hands-on experience for anyone game enough to hold one of the slithering creatures.
Raymond Hoser, who runs the show, said the turnout at the centre had been enormous.
“It’s a very interactive show,” he said. “All the kids get to hold them. They also cheer on turtle races.”
The show began with a demonstration of 25 venomous snakes and a timely talk on snake safety.
“We teach people not to harass snakes. If you stay away from them, they’ll stay away from you. They’re also good as they eat rats and mice,” Mr Hoser said.
Three small crocodiles and 17 lizards make up part of the show.
At the end of the demonstration, audience members are able to hold 12 non-venomous pythons.
The show proved popular with local children and their parents and some were persuaded to be covered in snakes.
Four shows remain, tomorrow and Saturday at 11am and 1pm each day at Centro Cranbourne Shopping Centre.