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Despite the surge in cute chameleons and geckos on social media (or is that just our algorithm?), most people are still pretty scared of reptiles and wouldn’t ever touch a snake voluntarily. However, reptiles are a key link in the animal food chain and are vital in our planet’s continued biodiversity. Ocean Park Hong Kong is here to dispel myths and encourage interest in these animals, with the opening of the brand-new Reptile Territory.
Located right next to The Rapids raging river ride, the Reptile Territory houses almost 20 species, and is built to show that these cold-blooded critters can also be fascinating and loveable. Among the animals on display are rhinoceros iguanas, which resemble mini dinosaurs and are on the endangered species list; Chinese crocodile lizards, which are an endangered species endemic to China and have existed for more than 100 million years – though now less than 2,000 of these lizards remain in the wild.
Visitors can also expect to see a vibrantly coloured panther chameleon, the giant horned lizard, blue-tongued skinks, sailfin lizards, European legless lizard, and more. Talk sessions are also scheduled daily, giving curious guests the chance to see the reptiles up close and being handled by their carers. There’s also a button embedded in a tree trunk that allows you to chat live with the experts as they go about caring for and feeding the animals.
Several of the critters in the Reptile Territory have ended up in Ocean Park after being confiscated and rescued by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD). Illegal wildlife trade and trafficking still poses a big threat to the wellbeing of wild animals everywhere, and apart from giving these animals a safe home, Ocean Park also wishes to make the public more conscious about illegal animal activities and responsible pet ownership of reptiles.
After getting the cable car or Ocean Express to The Summit area, walk through the Rainforest Expedition Trail, which goes along a boardwalk and through a small aviary with animals to spot like the pygmy marmoset, poison dart frogs, tarantulas, and an arapaima, before ending at the brand-new Reptile Territory.
Ocean Park’s Reptile Territory officially opens to the public on Friday, August 21.
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