Drop Dead Gorgeous Snakes
presented by AT&T Advertising Solutions

Opened in June 2000 inside the Deserts Dome, this permanent exhibit presented by  AT&T Advertising Solutions features some of the most gorgeous – and deadly – snakes on the planet. In the “Snakes as Art” gallery, the exhibit includes 13 of the most beautiful snakes in the world highlighted with pinpoint fiber optics as they rest in “jewel box” cases. A curving “habitat wall” highlights a second gallery – a collage of spectacular images showing the many different kinds of snakes and the myriad environments in which they can be found. Visitors may sit on a full-size model of the world’s largest snake – a 33-foot long version of a reticulated python with a body fully 16 inches in diameter.

In the "What a Snake Is" gallery, the unique adaptations, behaviors and biology of snakes are explored, with activities and videos to help illustrate what makes a snake a snake. With a combination of models and live specimens, visitors will be able to feel the texture of snake skin, learn about the snake’s unique "sense" of smell, and see the surprising shapes of a snake’s skeletal structure. In the "What a Snake Does" gallery, visitors will learn how a snake moves on the ground, in the water, and above the ground in trees. How they kill their prey (and avoid becoming prey themselves) is another key topic, along with how they regulate their body temperature and their various reproductive strategies.

The "Snakes and People" gallery is one of the most important parts of the exhibit where the many myths that surround these often-misunderstood creatures are exploded. The focus is on how snakes are cared for in the Zoo and on some of the key research and conservation programs in which zoos throughout the world are engaged, as well as many of the snakes that are found right here in Indiana. As humankind comes more and more into contact with snakes, it’s more important than ever to understand that the relationships between snakes and people can be mutually respectful, and even entertaining!

Snake Habitat, Movement, Anatomy and More!
Snakes: Did You Know?
Snakes in Indiana
Quiz: Test Your Snake Knowledge
Other Web Sites about Snakes