Clyde Peeling's Reptiland

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Natural Selections Gift Shop at Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland is proud to introduce a new line of sizzling hot jewelry. Zulugrass™, designed in the Rift Valley in Kenya, adds a burst of color to summer fashions, while preserving an endangered environment. Natural grass beads are dyed rich hues and then combined with hand-blown Czech glass beads to create over 200 brilliant color combinations. More than 1,400 Maasai women, known for their excellent beadwork, are currently involved in making the jewelry. The work is not done in a factory; instead the women harvest the grass, cut and dye it into beads and string them onto elastic, all on the African savanna. Utilizing this renewable natural resource preserves the natural grasslands, which would otherwise be burned to make way for edible grass for their domestic herds. The Maasai work in their own backyard to create stunning hand crafted products for a worldwide market, while continuing their culture and traditional way of life.

Zulugrass is the creation of Philip and Katy Leakey who live in Kenya. Philip is a former Member of Parliament and Katy is an artist and designer. Reptiland, on Route 15 in Allenwood, became involved in this unique partnership after retail buyer, Chris Bergesen-Peeling discovered the jewelry at a New York City gift show. “The Leakys have combined their passion for business, art and philanthropy in a most creative way. We get to enjoy this stunning jewelry, and our purchase helps families on another continent,” said Bergesen-Peeling. “We are always looking for new items to include in our store and when we came upon Zulugrass last year, we couldn’t resist. The colors are stunning, and when you combine them you can create so many different looks. We knew we were going to have fun with this line, and when we heard the Leakey’s story it gave us a new level of enthusiasm for the product”, she added.

Zulugrass jewelry invites versatility. Individual strands can be wrapped and twisted and tied to become multi-strand necklaces, bracelets, anklets, belts, hair-ties - whatever the imagination can envision. The strands are waterproof and can be worn with your nicest summer dresses or at the beach to accessorize your swimsuit. Each purchase gives the gift of opportunity to the Maasai women of the Great Rift Valley in Kenya. Zulugrass can be found at Reptiland’s Natural Selections Gift Shop conveniently located in the Zoo’s front entrance building.

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For more information, contact:
Clyde Peeling's Reptiland
18628 US Route 15
Allenwood, PA 17810
(570) 538-1869
(800) REPTILAND