Exotic Amphibians and Reptiles in Australian Zoos

[DaLilFishie]

Japanese giant salamander are thought to be a gift in gratitude when koala were given to Japanese zoos. At the time, it was probably the only giant salamander kept in captivity in Oceania.

Oh interesting! Are there any still in Australia?

 

[Zoofan15]

Oh interesting! Are there any still in Australia?

No, there are none left in Australia; but thanks to @steveroberts, we have some more details on the Taronga pair. They were imported by Taronga Zoo from Japan in 1985 and had been wild caught in 1971. They never bred and one died in 1997; and the other in 2002 from what were believed to be age related causes.

 

[Jambo]

I thought they held leopard tortoise, not spur thighed?

I’m no tortoise expert so here are the images attached.

Definitely not Leopard Tortoises.

 

[JM01]

Would there be any chance of Gharials being imported in the future? I've always wanted to either species in the flesh! I think Malayan Gharials are pretty underrated.

 

[Zoofan15]

Would there be any chance of Gharials being imported in the future? I've always wanted to either species in the flesh! I think Malayan Gharials are pretty underrated.

It’s not out of the question that False gharial could be imported given we now have the species in the region.

Gharial are critically endangered and would be harder to source.

Phillipines crocodile (also critically endangered) presumably found favour due to its smaller size, which enables it to be housed in indoor reptile houses. Auckland Zoo purpose built a tropical dome to house the larger False gharial.

 

[JM01]

It’s not out of the question that False gharial could be imported given we now have the species in the region.

Gharial are critically endangered and would be harder to source.

Phillipines crocodile (also critically endangered) presumably found favour due to its smaller size, which enables it to be housed in indoor reptile houses. Auckland Zoo purpose built a tropical dome to house the larger False gharial.

Malayan Gharials in Australia would be amazing

 

[WhistlingKite24]

According to @DaLilFishie, Marineland Melanesia no longer holds New Guinea Crocodile, with their individual having been transferred to Billabong Sanctuary.

Today at the park, there were two New Guinea Crocodiles still on-show. A proven pair - a female in her 40s (Minnie) and a male in his 60s (Boss). Their offspring is at Billabong near Townsville. American Alligator is also still there as well.

 

[tetrapod]

Today at the park, there were two New Guinea Crocodiles still on-show. A proven pair - a female in her 40s (Minnie) and a male in his 60s (Boss). Their offspring is at Billabong near Townsville. American Alligator is also still there as well.

Does anyone know if they are trying to breed this pair regularly? Would be interesting if a fourth crocodylian could be properly established in Australia.

 

[Osedax]

-New Guinea Crocodile Crocodylus novaeguineae - Billabong Sanctuary, Crocodylus Park, Malcolm Douglas Wilderness Park, Marineland Melanesia

The New Guinea Crocodiles at Marineland Melanesia and Billabong Sanctuary are C. halli.

 

[Jambo]

-Veiled Chameleon Chamaeleo calyptratus - Australian Reptile Park, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Gorge Wildlife Park, Hartley's Crocodile Adventures, Melbourne Zoo, Perth Zoo, Shoalhaven Zoo, Snakes Downunder, Symbio Wildlife Park, Taronga Zoo, Wild Cat Conservation Centre

New Holder:

Adelaide Zoo recently acquired a pair - so are again, a holder of this species.

 

[Zoofan15]

-African Spurred Tortoise Centrochelys sulcata - Adelaide Zoo (one female), Hunter Valley Zoo (one female)

Hunter Valley Zoo no longer has African spurred tortoise:

Adelaide Zoo noted in a post on socials this evening that they hold the only African spurred tortoises in Australia.

A likely assumption is the female from Hunter Valley transferred to Adelaide; but either way, Hunter Valley no longer hold the species.

 

[WhistlingKite24]

Hunter Valley Zoo no longer has African spurred tortoise:

Adelaide Zoo noted in a post on socials this evening that they hold the only African spurred tortoises in Australia.

A likely assumption is the female from Hunter Valley transferred to Adelaide; but either way, Hunter Valley no longer hold the species.

Just contacted Hunter Valley. They still have African Spurred Tortoises. Two females named Libby and Barbara. There is further mention and an image of them on their Facebook page from last month.

 

[Zorro]

Just contacted Hunter Valley. They still have African Spurred Tortoises. Two females named Libby and Barbara. There is further mention and an image of them on their Facebook page from last month.

Any plans for a male joining them?

 

[Jambo]

Hunter Valley Zoo no longer has African spurred tortoise:

Adelaide Zoo noted in a post on socials this evening that they hold the only African spurred tortoises in Australia.

A likely assumption is the female from Hunter Valley transferred to Adelaide; but either way, Hunter Valley no longer hold the species.

Adelaide has a handful of these guys - at least three now from recent photos posted online. The new female at Adelaide is a rescue, and a few of the others are rescues too. Adelaide also had a male as of a few years back; although unsure whether they still have him in their collection.