The Conservancy's scorpions are attracting quite an impressive fan club.  Fifty keen explorers turned up for Jonathan Leeming's Scorpion Walk on 2 May.  In spite of the cooler weather a variety of  scorpions was found under Ladybird Hill's rocks and there were enough brave souls who wanted the privilege of holding a scorpion in their hands.  The rest of us admired them from a safe distance.

Jonathan made it very clear that nobody should therefore regard scorpions as harmless and attempt to do the same at home.  “People seldom die from scorpion stings,” he said, “but it is extremely painful.” He talks from experience, having been stung more than 20 times by a variety of scorpions.

Go to Jonathan's website, www.scorpions.co.za, for photo's, facts and stories about his passion in life.

The Scorpion Walk was filmed by the Knock Knock crew, with presenter Professor Pink commenting.  Watch the programme on SATV 3 on Wednesday 9 June at 14:00 and again on Saturday, 12 June at 06:30.  Details of Knock Knock's delightfully unorthodox approach to science can also be found on www.knockknock.bz.

A close encounter:  Sean Daneel and James Courtney in the queue to hold the scorpions.

Sue Bowden from Randburg wrote afterwards:  “The Conservancy is an amazing place!  We came to learn about scorpions and got unexpected bonuses.  On the way we twice spotted grass owls hunting and when we got to the scorpion destination we stood in awe of the millions of ladybirds on the rocks.  The scorpions were fascinating, if a bit scary, but Jonathan Leeming made sure we handled them properly.  And on the way down we met a large leguan, slithering over the road into the grass!  Throw in the variety of trees and shrubs and grasses and the view - all in one morning.  What a wonderful expedition!”