Member Families: Superpowers of Bloodsuckers, Live Leeches & Survival Science

Get a close up look at a leech, partake in fun challenges to uncover how they bite, survive and thrive, plus practical tips for encounters in the wild.

  • Date:
    Sunday 28 June: 10.30am - 11.30am | 12pm - 1pm | 1.30pm - 2.30pm
  • Cost:
    Free for AM Members, registration required
  • Location:
    UG, Theatre
A dark brown land leech with an orange dorsal stripe arches upward from the tip of a green leaf.
The Australian land leech (Chtonobdella bilineata) is a common terrestrial leech found in moist forests along Australia's east coast, recognisable by the distinctive orange stripe running along its dark brown body. Image: Albert Kang
CC BY-NC 4.0

Recommended age: 5 - 11 years

Join naturalist and wildlife educator Andrew Turbill for a hands-on session exploring the strange and surprising world of leeches, ticks and other blood-feeding creatures.

Get up close to live leeches, watch fascinating (and slightly shocking) footage, and uncover how these tiny animals find their hosts, feed and survive. Through real bush stories and interactive challenges, discover the remarkable biology behind their behaviour from hidden adaptations to the ways they’ve evolved to outsmart us.

You’ll also pick up practical tips for the outdoors, including what to do (and what not to do) if you encounter them in the wild.

Perfectly paired with our Bloodsuckers exhibition, this engaging and slightly gross experience is one kids will love and grown-ups won’t forget!

Not a Member? Join now to receive free or discounted entry to special exhibitions, exclusive events, access to our Members Lounge and a range of benefits.

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Andrew Turbill

A man with curly grey hair and a beard wearing glasses and a grey jacket outdoors.
Andrew Turbill, naturalist and wildlife educator specialising in animal behaviour and environmental education. Image: Supplied
© Andrew Turbill

Andrew Turbill is a naturalist and wildlife educator with a passion for connecting people to the natural world. With years of experience working in environmental education and the Australian bush, he brings a blend of science, storytelling, and hands-on learning to every session.

Known for his engaging and interactive style, Andrew specialises in helping audiences understand the hidden lives of animals - from bird behaviour to the fascinating adaptations of lesser-known creatures like leeches and ticks. His work focuses on building curiosity, confidence, and practical knowledge about the natural world in a way that is accessible, memorable, and fun for all ages.

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