HYDERABAD: Just the mention of the word snake, let alone the sight of one, is enough to paralyse the most rational human being with fear.Movies and TV shows feed misconceptions about snakes, portraying them as symbols of death and trickery. Tales in Indian mythology are abound with magical snakes that drink milk, dance to music and plot sweet revenge. Sadly these falsehoods have put the serpents at even greater risk.To debunk these myths and misconceptions about snakes and alleviate fear in the minds of people about these reptiles, Nehru Zoological Park , as part of its educational programme, is conducting a snake awareness campaign in the zoo The snake show, in coordination with Snake Cell and Friends of Snakes Society, voluntary organisations working for the protection of reptiles, has been a big hit among visitors, drawing in crowds from all age groups.“The programme helps visitors get a closer look at the different species, both poisonous and non-poisonous. We conduct this show on Sundays..it is a very big crowd puller,” a Zoo official said.Experts show venomous snakes like the Russell’s viper and the Spectacled Cobra, and non-venomous ones like the Indian rock python and Russell’s Boa.“To increase awareness, visitors are also given a brief about each species. This is done to dispel myths associated with snakes,” said Sameera Khan, a visitor.Another visitor, Rakesh Kumar said, “Though there are many exotic species in the zoo exhibit, I come here on Sundays to attend this session and gain knowledge about snakes. Last week, I came here with my cousins so that they can also get educated about the different species of snakes.”Visitors are taught to recognise each species by physical characteristic, and educated on the necessary precautions to be taken, in case of a snake bite.

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