Reptile World

Ever wonder what it takes to milk a venomous snake? Here at the Australian Reptile Park, you can find out. The Australian Reptile Park in Somersby, just north of Sydney, isn’t your average zoo. It houses an impressive collection of reptiles and other Australian wildlife. The park plays a crucial role in antivenom production. It’s the sole supplier of terrestrial snake and funnel-web spider venom for creating life-saving antivenom. The park has a rich history, dating back to 1948 when Eric Worrell founded it as the Ocean Beach Aquarium in Umina Beach. It later moved to Wyoming and finally to its current location in Somersby in 1996, right next to Old Sydney Town. The Australian Reptile Park is home to “Ploddy”, a large replica diplodocus and one of Australia’s first “Big Things.” Another resident is Elvis, known as “Australia’s crankiest crocodile.” He arrived in 2007 after a history of attacking fishing boats and even other crocodiles. The park also boasts the Lost World of Reptiles, accessible through the jaws of a giant crocodile model, and Spider World, where you can witness funnel-web spider milking. The Australian Reptile Park isn’t just about reptiles. You can hand-feed kangaroos, see Tasmanian devils, and even encounter koalas. The park also features educational programs about various animals and their conservation. The Australian Reptile Park is more than a zoo. It’s a vital center for research, conservation, and education. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and dedication to saving lives through antivenom research.