While Sydney Zoo’s developers are still keeping schtum about when exactly the city’s newest visitor attraction will open to the public (they say before the end of 2019, although a specific date remains under wraps), activity at the Western Sydney wildlife park has been ramping up in recent months.
The latest announcement has revealed a sneak peek at one of the zoo’s key exhibits: a reptile and nocturnal animal house that is the largest of its kind in the country. More than 40 species of reptiles, including the world’s top two most venomous snakes – the inland taipan and eastern brown snake – as well as Australia’s largest monitor lizard, the perentie, have also arrived at their new, purpose-built home.
The newly completed building is also one of Australia’s first green roof habitats, featuring a range of native grasses. As well as blending seamlessly into the local landscape, this green-roof design also helps regulate temperature and noise – important concerns for the nocturnal and reptilian residents within.
Last month, the Bungarribee-based zoo welcomed a menagerie of exotic animals, including tigers, cheetahs, zebras, hyenas, chimpanzees, baboons and orang-utans. When Sydney Zoo opens later this year, more than 2000 fauna from around the world will be on display.