New home for Australian reptiles opens in regional Victoria
Visitors to the state’s north can now see some of Australia’s most remarkable scaly and shelled creatures with the completion of a purpose-built reptile habitat at Kyabram Fauna Park.
The Kyabram Fauna Park Reptile Habitat is welcoming its first visitors these April school holidays and features climate-controlled habitats for 14 reptile species and some beautiful green tree frogs. Notable residents include Australia’s Inland Taipan and southeast Asia’s Reticulated Python – the world’s most venomous and longest snakes.
The habitats provide each animal with important social and environmental enrichment opportunities. Visitors can also learn about the important role the species’ play in their native ecosystems.
Kyabram Fauna Park Director Lachlan Gordon said the new Reptile Habitat would attract both locals and visitors from further afield, boosting tourism in Victoria’s northern region.
“Our new Reptile Habitat will allow even more people to experience the wonder of wildlife and learn about the importance of reptiles in our ecosystems,” Mr Gordon said.
“We look forward to welcoming Zoos Victoria members and visitors to Kyabram Fauna Park these school holidays.“
Zoos Victoria’s Kyabram Fauna Park is situated on 55 hectares of parkland and wetlands in northern Victoria, a
30-minute drive from Shepparton or Echuca.
Kyabram Fauna Park has undergone $1.94 million of infrastructure works as part of a $2.7 billion State Government package to create jobs, tourism and support local economies. Alongside the Reptile Habitat, upgrades include a new visitor centre, refurbished Education and Conservation Centre, improved animal habitats, predator-proof fencing and pathways.
As part of the Zoos Victoria network, children under 16 years accompanied by a paying adult receive free entry to Kyabram Fauna Park during school holidays, weekends and public holidays, thanks to the Victorian Government’s Kids Visit Free program, which also includes Melbourne Zoo, Werribee Open Range Zoo and Healesville Sanctuary
The $781,000 Kyabram Fauna Park Reptile Habitat was funded thanks to $200,000 from the Federal Government’s Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program, $200,000 from the Campaspe Shire Council, $250,000 from the Victorian State Government, and $131,000 from Zoos Victoria.
Kyabram Fauna Park is open 10am to 5pm daily.