The Reptile Experience

Published May 23, 2013

Benton, IL - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake will be hosting the first of a summer-long series of programs designed to educate and enlighten visitors to Rend Lake. The first program for the summer will be “The Reptile Experience” starring Serengeti Steve and the array of animals that he has to show. The program will be held at the Rend Lake Project Office/ Visitor Center on Saturday, May 25, 2013. Serengeti Steve will give two presentations, the first beginning at 11:00 a.m. and the second at 2:00 p.m.

Hailing from St. Louis, MO, Serengeti Steve provides an educational and entertaining program for all spectators. This is not only a show, but also a unique, hands-on experience where Steve gets his audience totally involved in the program. Serengeti Steve had his first snake encounter when he was just 10 years old. Upon finding a snake in his backyard, he scooped it up into a bucket and took it inside his house to identify. After finding out it wasn’t venomous, much to the dismay of mom and dad, he asked to keep it. Fast forward to present day, Steve has raised and maintained over 50 species of exotic snakes, lizards, monitors, tarantulas, and scorpions. On April 21, 2011 at the baseball field of Parkway South High School, Serengeti Steve broke the Guiness World Record for holding a scorpion in his mouth for 17 minutes, 17 second. He also appeared on the popular television show “America’s Got Talent”.

“The Reptile Experience” is a fantastic program that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. This program fills up very quickly, so please plan accordingly! This program is free and appropriate for all ages.

Upcoming Environmental Science Series program for Saturday, June 1, 2013, will be “Backyard Campout.” The Backyard Campout program will begin at 8:00 p.m. Join us June 1st for s’mores, stories, and some friendly competition.

The Rend Lake Visitor Center is located on the west end of the Main Dam. For more information contact the Rend Lake Project Office/ Visitor Center at (618)724-2493 or check out or Facebook page.


Contact
Kevin A. Curran
618-724-2493
rendinfo@usace.army.mil

Release no. 13-06