Reptiles at Werribee Open Range Zoo treated to renovated enrichment space

Zoos Victoria advise that reptiles at Werribee Open Range Zoo have been exploring a newly renovated enrichment space - The Snake Exploratorium - akin to 5-star luxury accommodation.

The upgraded mobile habitat comes complete with a heated pool, water feature and climbing wall, and is custom designed to provide the zoo’s Madagascan ground boas, Shingleback lizards, and Blue- tongue lizards with a variety of sensory experiences that stimulate them both physically and mentally.

Werribee Open Range Zookeeper, Maddy Jamieson said the recent home improvements have increased the size of the Exploratorium, its thermal integrity and keepers’ ability to provide varied experiences for the resident reptiles.

Jamieson explains “to provide the best welfare outcomes for our reptiles, we create microhabitats within their environment for choice, as well as new and novel experiences.

“With the additional space, we’re able to offer them a greater variety of substrates, water elements and furniture to enhance the environment.

“We’re also now able to offer this enrichment space day and night. It sustains a temperature range between 20°C and 36°C, and high humidity, which are optimal conditions for these ectothermic species that rely on environmental conditions to maintain their body temperature.”

Hollowed Ostrich eggshells, American bison fur, log hollows and tree browse are the interior design trends being seen in the renovated space. Each not only offers interesting visuals, but also introduce sensory stimuli such as scents and textures to add complexity to the overall experience, emulating what the curious reptiles might experience in the wild.

The Snake Exploratorium was funded by John Cochrane through Zoos Victoria’s Willy Wonka program – an initiative that encourages staff to create novel and unique animal enrichment items for a range of zoo animals.

Zoo Members and visitors to Werribee Open Range Zoo can get a close-up view of The Snake Exploratorium outside the Ranger Kids centre, throughout the year.

Zoos Victoria members and Werribee Open Range Zoo visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au and all ticketholders 18 years and over are required to provide proof of full vaccination and follow current Victorian Government directions at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au.