Bloodsuckers After Dark: Family Night

Age: All ages

When the sun sets, the fun begins.

Bring the whole family for an after-hours adventure inspired by Bloodsuckers: Nature's Vampires. Explore the exhibition, enjoy kid-friendly talks, hands-on activities and music and prepare to be surprised by nature's strangest creatures.

Talk: 30,000 Bloodsuckers Can't Be Wrong

Bloodsuckers are everywhere, in forests, waterways, backyards and sometimes even curled up beside us on the couch. With more than 30,000 known species feeding on blood, this talk explores the surprising role these creatures play in healthy ecosystems, alongside a closer look at the ticks and mites affecting Australian pets today.

Panellists include: Dr Claire Rowe (Collection Manager Marine Invertebrates).

Susie Youssef is an acclaimed comedian, actor, writer and improviser whose work spans television, theatre, radio and live performance across Australia and internationally. A former regular co-host on The Project and core cast member of Whose Line Is It Anyway? Australia, she has also appeared in hit productions including Deadloch, The Office Australia, Rosehaven and Thank God You’re Here. Known for her sharp wit and versatile stage presence, Susie is one of Australia’s most celebrated comedic performers, with a career spanning sold-out festival shows, major theatre productions and acclaimed screen roles.

Dr Claire Rowe is a marine scientist and Collection Manager in the Australian Museum’s Marine Invertebrates department, where she began as a volunteer in 2014 while completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Sydney. She completed her PhD through the University of Sydney and the Australian Museum Research Institute in 2022, with research focused on the identification, seasonality and population dynamics of upside-down jellyfish (Cassiopea species) along Australia’s east coast.

Claire continues to lead important research and collection work, including representing the Museum aboard CSIRO’s RV Investigator on deep-sea expeditions around Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.

Dr Simone Maher is Chief Veterinary Officer at PetSure, bringing extensive hands‑on clinical experience alongside expertise in veterinary education and animal welfare. She is co-chair of the Australian Veterinary Innovation Council, an advisory board member for the Pet Longevity Institute and remains active in part‑time practice.