Subway Bugs

Who knew subway stations could provide amusement as well as transportation? I have been seeing commercials for this bug place on the subway televisions every time I was in the subway, and finally one day I was able to make out the Korean words "Sindang Station". I turned to 'google' and discovered this place is, in fact, inside the Sindang subway station. They are only open to the public on weekends and holidays, and today being a Korean holiday (buddha's birthday) as well as an American one (Memorial Day), it was ideal!

The bug place is divided into insects, amphibians, reptiles, and also a mammal section. You are able to touch/hold many of the creatures inside. My husband was the only one of us brave enough to pick up the insects, although I did work up the nerve to touch their exoskeletons. The girls simply shrieked and backed away quickly.

Scooping up frogs. You couldn't hold them because they
were 'poison'. Not sure why you were allowed
to scoop them?

The snake section was by far the most popular. There was a worker holding two snakes that anyone could also hold. Most people actually were brave enough to hold the snakes long enough for a picture. I have handled snakes before but just couldn't work up the nerve to do it this time. Our daughters were terrified at first and wouldn't even go near them, but eventually my oldest touched one, then held its tail, then was brave enough to hold the whole thing by herself. She enjoyed it so much she cried when she had to give it back! When we left, they had four large snakes out to cuddle with. Family picture, anyone?

The mammal section was quite sad. There is no staff supervising the animal / human interaction, and since children are pretty much allowed free roam to do whatever they wish, these animals have obviously been tormented. They cower when you come near. The hedgehogs I've handled in the past have been very friendly, but these jumped every time I tried to brush them with my hand.

This poor dog was hiding in a back corner. There were no other people in the area so we were able to coax him out and he was obviously eager for some kind affection.