SHARNA Ayton has always loved animals.
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She grew up on a farm and could never understand why some people hated snakes so much that they’d shoot them.
It’s a passion that’s never once wavered in her 26 years, dedicating her life to raising awareness about misunderstood reptiles.
On Saturday, she took her Tamworth Reptile Awareness show to Bunnings, where she introduced the public to her two pythons – one of which stretches seven-foot-long – a bearded dragon, a blue-tongue lizard and four baby pythons.
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“It’s about giving reptiles a voice and getting awareness out there that they’re not such bad animals,” Miss Ayton said.
“They just love cuddles.
“I grew up on a farm and could never understand why (some people) hated them and always shot them.”
You’d think having such exotic pets would include a demanding feeding schedule, but the larger snakes only feed once a month and the smaller ones twice a month.
“People are just so interested in them,” Miss Ayton said.
“They can be misunderstood.
“But what I say to all the kids who come to my shows is, you can pat these ones, but if you see one in the bush or on the street, stay away from it and call an expert.”
Miss Ayton thanked RSPCA and Bunnings for helping spread the reptile-friendly message.
