There is always something new to see at Taronga Zoo, and the recently-opened Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Centre (ARC) is a terrific addition to the Mosman site. Snakes and lizards were previously housed in a dark and inaccessible area. The new ARC is simply stunning, with each reptile housed in its own habitat which represents a different ecology. The inland taipan sits in a desert-like, sparse enclosure with a few cacti and rocks to hide behind, which represents the semi-arid regions of central Australia. It’s a great opportunity to see the world’s most venomous snake which also changes colour depending on the season – but bites are rare as they are so shy. Luckily for us!
In complete contrast, the reticulated python happily glides its six-metre body through a pond and rainforest, enthralling and terrifying visitors alike with its vast size – and this is a small one! These pythons normally live far away from Australia over in south east Asia. Though we have plenty of pythons of our own to discover, which can also be viewed at the ARC. Alligator snapping turtles, eyelash vipers and the ancient tuataras are among the other fascinating creatures to learn about.
The ARC is an inviting space for visitors to see very realistic settings of where 42 of our native and foreign reptilian friends live. The beautifully-designed enclosures often house a few different species which can co-exist, and there are colourful information boards aimed at children, but with enough detail to interest adults. There are also outdoor enclosures where children will delight in playing ‘spot the snake’ to find all their hiding spots.
The ARC is the Zoo’s newest enclosure, and has been some time in the making. Conservation of some of the world’s most endangered species – like Australia’s striking corroboree frog – is an important mission for the Zoo, and the ARC is another example of how committed Taronga is to achieving this goal.
There are other changes afoot at the Zoo, with plans to upgrade the hospital which treats a lot of native animals brought in by the public. The Zoo’s breeding program has produced cuties like the twin red panda cubs, chimps and even a pygmy hippo calf. So much conservation work is done by Taronga, that it remains an important zoo in Australia and globally in the fight to stop animal extinction.
Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Centre
Taronga Zoo (included with entry fee)
Bradleys Head Road, Mosman
taronga.org