On January 4, Phillip Island Conservation Society (PICS), hosted the Animals of Oz, at Olive Justice Place in Cowes.

The annual visit by the mobile wildlife education program attracted many interested families.

Seven native animals were individually introduced as the presenter showed the audience the special features of each creature. Excited youngsters got to meet Kookie the kookaburra who can't fly because of an old wing injury acquired after escaping the clutches of a fox and Bubble-gum, the blue tongue lizard who lives under logs in the back yard with his 'five wives' and their twenty-one eggs.

Other animals included Shadow the tawny frogmouth who can look like a part of a tree when perched on a branch or stump and Snappy, the five-foot crocodile

The children were able to gently touch Snappy on his back and tummy to feel the difference in his skin, but were instructed not to touch his mouth.

"PICS has proudly hosted this event since 2012 and is grateful to be supported and funded by the Bass Coast Shire Council," a PICS spokesperson said.

"Most of the 46 adults and 47 children were either local or related to locals with whom they were enjoying the holiday atmosphere; one family was visiting from England."