Luke Cheyne loves his job: he wrangles with deadly snakes every day and has never been bitten.
A childhood attraction to “critters” fuelled by him being fifth generation showman, it’s no surprise Mr Cheyne will be centre stage in his own little world – Luke’s Reptile Kingdom – at the Farm Fantastic Expo on July 22-24.
Mr Cheyne, flanked by a mobile microphone, will introduce the expo crowds to his “friends” which includes four different venomous snakes as well as an assortment of hand- raised spencer monitors, goannas, lizards and Jack, the saltwater crocodile.
And there will be the chance to be up close and personal with Cuddles, the three-metre Olive python, who will wrap herself around you for that perfect picture opportunity… if you are game!
The shows, every half hour across the three days, are designed to be inter-active and educational and deliver valuable safety messages.
He’ll explain what to do if you come across a snake in the bush or on your property, what to do if you are confronted with an angry snake, and what to do if you are bitten by a snake with a step-by-step first aid procedure for a snake bite. It could be the most valuable lesson you’ve ever had!
“Our demonstrations will provide knowledge on reptile biology and behaviour focused on expelling myths about snakes,” he said
“By emphasizing the vital role reptile’s play in our ecosystem we will help change people’s negative opinions and generate interest in these fascinating creatures – and we may also inspire today’s youth in to becoming great environmental pioneers for Australia’s flora and fauna in the future.”
Mr Cheyne has fond memories of the look on his mother’s face when he returned from an adventure with green frogs, plucked from a public toilet bowl from one of the many showgrounds they frequented, stuck to his face.
“As a five-year-old I became Australia’s youngest licensed herpetologist as the family ensured my travelling collection of critters was legal as we went from show to show across the country,” he laughed.
He dreamed of one day owning his own park, and he has realised that dream in a big way.
Luke’s Reptile Kingdom, at Carrara on the Gold Coast, has the world’s largest collection of venomous snakes and with more than 600 reptiles his “kingdom” is home to not only Australia’s biggest reptile display but the nation’s most diverse.
While at the expo, amid the hundreds exhibitors, respected Brisbane horticulturalists Noel Burdette and Claire Bickle will get your garden growing with workshops, the Two Old Ducks will be cooking up a storm in Destination Food, sponsored by Long Yard Beef Company, visit Luke’s Reptile Kingdom, as well there are alpaca shows and Illawarra Prime Alpaca tasting.
To manoeuvre around the unavoidable parking issues, there are free return shuttle buses from the Morayfield Shopping Centre, Caboolture Rail and Caboolture hub to the Caboolture showgrounds.
For more information visit www.farmfantastic.com.au or Freecall 1800 671 588.