James Ashe Antivenom Trust

I recently went to the Nairobi National Museum for a one-day reptile husbandry workshop, organised by Mrs. Damaris Rotich, Curator of the National Museum Snake Park and opened by the Museum Director, Dr. Idle Omar Farah.

The main speakers were Prof. John E. Cooper of the University of the West Indies and his wife Mrs. Margaret Cooper, a solicitor who told us about international law involving reptiles and ethics.

Kenya Wildlife Service representative Nancy Kabete gave us the Kenya perspective. Prof. Titus Kanui and his team from University of Nairobi talked about a study they are doing on captive Hinge-backed Tortoises.

We were a mixed batch in the audience - reptile keepers, students, enthusiasts and many of us with long-standing links to the Nairobi Snake Park. None was shy about putting forward ideas and asking questions so it was a lively meeting, especially nice as an opportunity to meet up with old friends.

Jackson Iha (left) and Michael Cheptumo (right), retired Curators of the Nairobi Snake Park

Photo courtesy of Margaret Cooper

A one-day workshop on the Care, Health and Welfare of Reptiles was held at the Nairobi Snake Park, National Museums of Kenya, on Wednesday 13 th June, 2007. Sponsored and supported by the British Herpetological Society (BHS), the workshop was designed primarily for those who keep and exhibit reptiles. It was intended to provide an introduction to the care of snakes, lizards, tortoises and crocodiles in captivity and how best to keep them healthy. Fifty people attended the workshop and these participants included curators of reptile collections, owners of “snake parks” and similar exhibits, academics, professional and amateur herpetologists and local naturalists.

Dr. John Cooper teaching in the Nairobi Snake Park pit; in his capable hands: a boomslang

The programme for the morning consisted of lectures on the biology of reptiles, legal aspects, captive management and health. In the afternoon there was practical work – handling of live reptiles, health-monitoring, clinical investigations and postmortem examination.

Dr. Cooper demonstrates correct procedure for herpetological autopsy

All attendees received copies of course notes and literature that was kindly provided by the BHS, the British Chelonia Group (BCG) and the journal “Applied Herpetology“.

Dr. John and Margaret Cooper with workshop participants

Full reports are in preparation. Further information about these and other events planned by the Nairobi Snake Park, National Museums of Kenya is available through Ms. Damaris Rotich, Senior Curator, National Museums of Kenya or Professor John E. Cooper, The University of the West Indies, Trinidad.

Photographs courtesy of Margaret Cooper.