No expensive plane ticket. No 24-hour-long flight. See the animals of Australia right here in our own backyard at the National Aquarium’s Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit. This special behind-the-scenes tour will show us many of the Australian exhibit inhabitants from a different view than we are usually allowed.
This immersive exhibit mimics an Australian river gorge that is home to nearly 1,000 animals representing more than 70 species, many only found in Australia. Our tour will include visits with Hosmer’s and blue tongue skinks; snakes such as a black-headed python, carpet python, and death adder; Irwin’s, pig-nosed, and Kimberley snake-necked turtles; Johnston’s crocodiles; Mertens’ water and spiny-tailed monitors; and many other species native to Australia.
Our tour leaders are Jacob Jackson, a dedicated herpetologist and wildlife filmmaker volunteering at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, and Matthew Benedict, lead herpetologist for the National Aquarium’s Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit. Matthew uses his extensive experience in herpetology to oversee the care and conservation of reptiles and amphibians in the exhibit. Matthew’s expertise ensures a rich educational experience for all visitors.
- Everyone over the age of 16 is welcome.
- Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
- Watch for additional details in a welcome email sent a few days before the date.
- We have access to a few aquarium entrance passes for free admission. Please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org for information on how you may be able to secure a pass.
- Participants are responsible for buying their own admission ticket. Tickets are date and time-specific. Ticket prices are $49.95 for adults and $39.95 for seniors. Tickets can be bought in advance here: https://aqua.org/.
Alternative weather date is Jan 21. If any event is cancelled due to severe weather, you will receive an email or text. If you do not receive a weather-related email, the trip will proceed as planned.
Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.
For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.