Australian Reptile Park
The Australian Reptile Park is a significant wildlife sanctuary located in Somersby, New South Wales, Australia. It is renowned for its extensive reptile collection and its crucial role in venom collection for antivenom production, having saved thousands of lives. The park also houses a diverse array of Australian mammals and birds, alongside engaging educational programs.
Key Facts
- ›Located in Somersby, near Gosford, on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia.
- ›Features one of Australia's largest reptile collections, with close to 50 species.
- ›Houses notable Australian mammals like kangaroos, koalas, and Tasmanian devils.
- ›Heavily involved in collecting snake and spider venom for antivenom production, credited with saving thousands of lives.
- ›Established in its current form in 1959, with its origins tracing back to the 1949 Ocean Beach Aquarium.
- ›Iconic attraction includes Ploddy the Dinosaur, a significant early 'big thing' in Australia.
Komodo Dragon Exhibit, Nocturnal House
Eric the Crocodile, Komodo Dragons
- Snake Venom Collection For Antivenom
- Funnel-Web Spider Venom Collection For Antivenom
- Cassowary Captive Breeding
- Tasmanian Devil Conservation
About Australian Reptile Park
The Australian Reptile Park is a prominent wildlife sanctuary situated in Somersby, on the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia. Established in its current iteration in 1959, its origins trace back to the Ocean Beach Aquarium founded by Eric Worrell in 1949. The park is distinguished by its extensive collection of reptiles, featuring close to 50 species, and also houses a variety of Australian mammals and birds.
Key Role in Antivenom Production
A significant aspect of the Australian Reptile Park's mission is its deep involvement in the collection of snake and spider venom for the production of antivenom. Since the 1960s, the park has been a crucial, and at times sole, supplier of venom for Australia's antivenom program. This vital work is credited with saving the lives of thousands of Australians, with an estimated 20,000 lives saved over its history. The park houses a substantial number of venomous snakes and spiders specifically for this purpose, with keepers employing specialized techniques for venom extraction.
Animal Collection and Attractions
Beyond its conservation and antivenom efforts, the park offers a diverse range of animals for public viewing. Its reptile collection includes snakes, lizards such as Komodo dragons, turtles, tortoises, tuataras, American alligators, and crocodiles. Australian native mammals like kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, Tasmanian devils, and wombats are also featured, alongside Australian birds including cassowaries. An iconic attraction is Ploddy The Dinosaur, a large statue erected in 1963 that is recognized as one of Australia's early 'big things'.
History and Development
The park's history is closely tied to its founder, Eric Worrell, who initiated venom milking for antivenom production early on. The facility underwent a significant relocation in 1996 to its current Somersby site. Despite challenges, such as a major fire in 2000 that destroyed much of the main building, the park has demonstrated resilience, reopening shortly after with community and inter-zoo support. The park has also been recognized through television features, including 'Bondi Vet' and 'The Wild Life of Tim Faulkner', highlighting its animal care and conservation activities.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Australian Reptile Park?
The Australian Reptile Park is a wildlife sanctuary located in Somersby, New South Wales, Australia. It is known for its large collection of reptiles, Australian mammals, and birds, as well as its vital work in venom collection for antivenom.
What is the Australian Reptile Park famous for?
The park is famous for its extensive collection of reptiles, including Komodo dragons, and its critical role in collecting venom from snakes and funnel-web spiders. This venom is used to produce life-saving antivenom, and the park is credited with saving thousands of lives through this program.
What kind of animals can I see at the Australian Reptile Park?
Visitors can see a wide variety of animals, including close to 50 species of reptiles such as snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, American alligators, and crocodiles. The park also features Australian mammals like kangaroos, koalas, Tasmanian devils, and wombats, as well as Australian birds like cassowaries.
Does the Australian Reptile Park contribute to conservation?
Yes, the Australian Reptile Park is heavily involved in conservation, particularly through its venom collection program for antivenom production, which has saved thousands of lives. They also engage in captive breeding programs, such as for cassowaries, and have established facilities like Devil Ark for endangered species.
When was the Australian Reptile Park founded?
The park first opened to the public on October 3, 1959, under the name Eric Worrell's Australian Reptile Park. Its origins trace back to the Ocean Beach Aquarium, which founder Eric Worrell began building in 1949.
What is Ploddy The Dinosaur?
Ploddy The Dinosaur, originally named Dino, is an iconic statue erected at the park in 1963. It is considered one of Australia's first 'big things' and remains a notable attraction for visitors, particularly visible when traveling north on the Pacific Motorway.
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