A purpose-built amphibian and reptile conservation centre is being set up at the Taronga Zoo in Mosman to serve as home to some of Australia’s unique and critically endangered species, such as the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle and the Corroboree Frog. It is expected to be fully operational within 2022.
Read: Conservation Society in Mosman to Build World’s First Platypus Sanctuary
This comes after the NSW Government approved of the facility, which will replace the existing Reptile World exhibit.
The exhibit, quite popular among locals, will be demolished to make way for a new on-site Wildlife Hospital.
The Taronga Conservation Society said it will be an educational and multi-layered experience for guests that showcases the beauty and diversity of some of the most misunderstood and most imperilled creatures on the planet under threat, from climate change, disease and habitat modification.
“Taronga is a leader in reptile and amphibian conservation in Australia. We have brought back seven reptile and amphibian species from the brink of extinction,” the group stated.
This includes the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle, a short-necked freshwater turtle often found in the deeper pools of rivers. They are considered critically endangered or are facing an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Minister for Planning and Homes, Anthony Roberts expects that the new conservation centre at the Taronga Zoo will be a drawcard for tourists and locals.
“Taronga is such an important part of Sydney, not only in its role of providing care for more than 4,000 animals but also in being an amazing place for the public to explore and learn about the natural world,” Mr Roberts said.
“It will bring guests eye to eye with unbelievable animals, help spark a connection and inspire action for years to come.”
The new purpose-built facility is designed by DWP (Design Worldwide Partnership) with landscape architecture by Context Landscape Architecture.