Reptiles, amphibians to join exhibition at the Jakarta Fair

Reptiles, amphibians to join exhibition at the Jakarta Fair

JAKARTA (JP): The committee of the Reptile and Amphibian
Exhibition, which is part of the upcoming Jakarta Fair, needs
5,000 crickets per day to feed the animals.

"We buy the crickets from some traders at the Pasar Burung
(Bird Market) (on Jl. Barito, South Jakarta) at the price of
around Rp 35 (around US1 cent) a piece," said Mah Wai Meng,
project manager of Classic International exhibition company, at a
press conference yesterday.

Mah said he was not sure if the stock of crickets here is
enough to feed the 500 reptiles and amphibians for a month at the
fair.

"During our recent show in Hong Kong, we imported the crickets
from the United States," added Mah.

According to Mah, the reptiles and amphibians in the company's
collection only prey on crickets which are still alive, aside
from vitamins.

Many reporters who were present at the press conference held
at the Trade Mart Building at the Jakarta Fair Ground were
surprised at the remarks on the feeding habits of the Classic
International's collection.

"Many low-income people here will be surely eager to find
crickets for the company," one reporter commented.

Mah said among the Hongkong-based company's collection are
some endangered and protected species, including Corucia,
Zebrata, Iguana, Chamaeleo Calyptratus, Tupinambis Teguxin,
Testudo Horfieldi and Geochlone Sulcata.

"The visitors can also see, for example, frogs which have
horns," he added.

The reptiles and amphibians were imported from their original
lands, said Mah.

Mah said the show, which has reportedly achieved tremendous
success in Taiwan and Hong Kong, is aimed at enhancing knowledge
among Indonesians, especially children, about reptiles and
amphibians which they rarely find in daily life.

"Our instructors will teach the visitors how to understand the
gestures of the animals and the way to make friends with them,
etc," added Mah.

Since the show is for educational purpose, they would like to
extend complimentary tickets to all orphanages and centers for
the disabled cross Jakarta.

The exhibition will last from June 18 through July 16, open
between 12 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Monday through Friday, and 10
a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. It will be held on the
4th floor of Trade Mart Building.

Admission costs Rp 5,000 ($2.3) for adults and Rp 3,000 ($1.3)
for children.(jsk)