See photos: Snake takes cake for kids at region’s science festival

With plenty to see and do at the Cobb and Co Museum’s Science Festival on Sunday, it was a fun day for all. See the photos here.

Theia Russell is introduced to a Geckoes Wildlife albino carpet python and a fresh water crocodile at the World Science Festival Queensland community day at Cobb and Co Museum, Sunday, October 10, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Most four-year-old children would shy away from spiders, snakes and crocs, but creepy-crawlies and slithering reptiles have never been a problem for Theia Russell.

Rather than opt for a kitten or puppy, the animal lover chose to keep turtles and snakes as pets at home, something that her dad Steven Russell, said is pretty unique for kids her age.

Theia Russell is introduced to an albino carpet python held by Angela Fingland and a fresh water crocodile held by Martin Fingland of Geckoes Wildlife at the World Science Festival Queensland community day at Cobb and Co Museum, Sunday, October 10, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

So when the Toowoomba girl came face-to-face with reptiles at Cobb and Co Museum’s World Science Festival on Sunday, nothing could wipe the smile from her face.

Arabella Meyer and Alexander Jones get under Webster the Peacock spider puppet at World Science Festival Queensland community day at Cobb and Co Museum, Sunday, October 10, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

“I love snakes and crocodiles because they’re cute, they can swim really fast and sometimes they have babies,” Theia said.

The real-life animal display was delivered by Geckoes Wildlife.

Vivienne Jones and mum Sarah Jones check out a fish x-ray at World Science Festival Queensland community day at Cobb and Co Museum, Sunday, October 10, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Other interactive displays at the event featured rocket launches, DIY slime, dinosaurs and crustacean X-rays, among others.

Legendary science communicator Dr Karl Kruszelnicki also appeared via video-link to deliver a presentation.

Claire Salmon is introduced to a Geckoes Wildlife fresh water crocodile at the World Science Festival Queensland community day at Cobb and Co Museum, Sunday, October 10, 2021. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The World Science Festival is an initiative delivered by the Queensland Museum Network.