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)