More than 1,000 endangered reptiles and amphibians will be on display. The exhibition highlights are the four 'heavenly kings': a giant frog, a 250kg turtle, a 40cm-long lizard and a huge chameleon.

At last week's launch ceremony, Ng Cho-nam, associate professor of the University of Hong Kong's department of geography, was invited to talk about the environmental problems.

K.K. Kwok, a reptiles specialist, was another guest speaker. He spoke of the importance of protecting wild animals.

Lam Yuk-fai designed the exhibition. He said that he wanted to convey an important message to people visiting the exhibition.

'Showing the animals in a confined modern environment, I want to get across the message that animals' natural habitats are being encroached upon by humans' commercial activities.

'I hope visitors will treasure nature and animals more after seeing the exhibition,' he said.

The exhibition venue has been designed to resemble the natural habitat of the exotic animals.

Temperature, humidity, lighting and ventilation are closely monitored.

To ensure their well-being, the animals will receive regular check-ups by professional veterinarians during the exhibition period.

The exhibition will be open from noon to 10pm each day.

Admission costs HK$20, with proceeds going to The Media Evangelism Limited - Living Ark Foundation to support their conservation work. Visitors who make larger donations will be able to have their photos taken with some of the animals.