Wow, that’s fantastic news!
Australia Zoo are only the second facility in the region to achieve this.
They’ve held the species for a few decades now, dating back to the 90’s, so nice to finally see their hard work pay off.
Australia Zoo Australia Zoo News 2025
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Wow, that’s fantastic news!
Australia Zoo are only the second facility in the region to achieve this.
They’ve held the species for a few decades now, dating back to the 90’s, so nice to finally see their hard work pay off.
Great news to hear - especially amazing considering Australia's long history with attempting to breed the species.
The parents are eight year olds, Lagertha and Ragnar. Both were paired up together after attempts with other dragons previously.
Let's hope this now leads on to further young!
Article on Komodo dragon hatchlings:
An interesting note that it’s implied the hatchlings will be transferring out down the line.
Australia Zoo achieves successful breeding of Komodo dragons - Australasian Leisure Management
Their youngest Komodo dragons, Lagertha and Ragnar, both aged eight, were paired last season after several breeding attempts with other dragons. Their pairing led to a clutch of eggs laid by Lagertha, with three hatching out into adorable little dragons.
With all three eggs having hatched, they are being carefully monitored around the clock, with regular feeds and weigh-ins, before they are ready to go to their new homes.
An interesting note that it’s implied the hatchlings will be transferring out down the line.
Australia Zoo achieves successful breeding of Komodo dragons - Australasian Leisure Management
Their youngest Komodo dragons, Lagertha and Ragnar, both aged eight, were paired last season after several breeding attempts with other dragons. Their pairing led to a clutch of eggs laid by Lagertha, with three hatching out into adorable little dragons.
With all three eggs having hatched, they are being carefully monitored around the clock, with regular feeds and weigh-ins, before they are ready to go to their new homes.
A new species for Australia Zoo. Three Frill-necked Lizards arrived from Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo in January. The three hatchlings are currently off-show. A long-overdue addition of an iconic species - reported in the zoo's magazine publication.
A video to accompany the news of the hatching of the Komodo Dragons at Australia Zoo.
This is a fantastic video - a perfect combination of Robert (a born presenter); and the Head of the Reptile Department, who deserves credit for this monumental achievement and was able to impart his in depth knowledge of the species.
It was really great to see a behind the scenes overview of the process of collecting/incubating the eggs (as opposed to a simple news release saying ‘We’ve bred Komodo dragons’) given its novelty within the region.
It was especially interesting to hear how genetic testing identified male and females hatchlings while in the egg (confirming sexual reproduction); and to see a discussion noting the importance of not producing too many hatching per clutch (vis a vis regional capacity and genetic value).
Three Irwin’s turtle are gravid:
Irwin’s turtles at Australia Zoo carry 50 eggs | Noosa Today
In celebration of World Turtle Day, Australia Zoo shared that three female Irwin’s turtles are gravid, carrying a total of 50 eggs.
“We currently have an insurance population of 39 turtle hatchlings at Australia Zoo, and the goal is to release them into the wild to support the species’ long-term survival,“ Nick said.
Irwin’s turtles at Australia Zoo carry 50 eggs | Noosa Today
In celebration of World Turtle Day, Australia Zoo shared that three female Irwin’s turtles are gravid, carrying a total of 50 eggs.
“We currently have an insurance population of 39 turtle hatchlings at Australia Zoo, and the goal is to release them into the wild to support the species’ long-term survival,“ Nick said.
I visited Australia Zoo today; first time this year. I hope to get to one or two local collections soon before additional trips (both interstate and international) later in the year take up most of my free time. The zoo was bustling today but there were some quiet opportunities for observation throughout the day:
- Red-rumped Parrot (new species) has been added to the walkthrough aviary to compliment the new Bush Budgerigars and Zebra Finches.
- a flock of black-headed Gouldian Finches (returning species) have been introduced to the walkthrough aviary.
- a pair of Rainbow Lorikeets (returning species) have been introduced to the walkthrough aviary supporting the new Superb, Red-rumped and King Parrots nicely. The lorikeets were bred at the zoo recently and are currently unsexed.
- two new Glossy Ibis have arrived creating a flock of four. The original Radjah Shelduck female has seemingly died leaving the newer pair of ducks in the aviary.
- a pair of Western Shinglebacks have been added to the arid lizard enclosures with the normal-looking Shinglebacks, the Yakka Skinks and Central Bearded Dragon.
- a Quokka has been added to the koala island enclosure creating a nice mix finally.
- two new Short-beaked Echidnas have arrived. One has been introduced into the quokka/echidna enclosure adding two echidnas now with the quokka. In fact, this afternoon it was fantastic to see the echidnas bumbling around the quokka. A fun mix. The second new echidna is now on-show with another resident echidna. All three echidna enclosures had extremely active echidnas in the cool weather today.
- Bambam, a new male Common Wombat has arrived. He is a wild-born rescue from Canberra and will serve as a breeding male. The zoo will also start attempting to breed from their new Southern Hairy-nosed Wombat pair this season as they come into breeding age.
- two Brown Falcons (new species) and a Whistling Kite (returning species) have arrived at the zoo as well. They will be gradually introduced into the free-flight shows.
- the zoo wants to start breeding their on-show kangaroo mobs again and have received 1.1 Red Kangaroo and 1.1 Eastern Grey Kangaroos to add to their respective walkthrough enclosures. They currently have 38 Eastern Kangaroos, seven Swamp Wallabies and three Brush-tailed Rock Wallabies in ‘Roo Heaven’ and 15 Red Kangaroos and five Red-necked Wallabies in their separate enclosures.
- Mary River Turtle have moved to the Crocodile Hunter Lodge with the Freshwater Crocodiles.
- in the Crocodile Environmental Park, the American Alligators and Freshwater Crocodiles have swapped enclosures. There was a wild Azure Kingfisher in alligator enclosure all day that was incredibly showy. One the best places in south-east Queensland to see this species reliably with a second wild kingfisher hanging around Bindi's Island.
- an Elongated Tortoise has hatched off-show.
Always_Amity
Well-Known Member
Helmeted Guineafowl can be found on Bindi’s Island according to the website, but I assume they’re free ranging. That tortoise exhibit fencing doesn’t look like it’d cut it containment wise and the photos on the website show them foraging through leaf litter (i.e. outside this grassed Aldabra tortoise exhibit).
A few updates from the zoo today:
- a new mammal species; two Yellow-footed Rock-Wallabies have been introduced to the three Brush-tailed Rock-Wallabies. It was interesting to compare the two species side by side.
- the reptile house is under going extensive renovation with every exhibit receiving a revamp. For example, the dart frogs are off-show currently as their exhibit is receiving new plants while the former Coastal Taipan enclosure has been gutted and a new mangrove backdrop as been added, eluding a new species soon to go on show. This will be a gradual process for each enclosure so expect certain species to be off-show across the next 12 months or so.
- three Green Tree Frogs have moved in with the Boyd’s Forest Dragons. There was no sign of the White-lipped Tree Frogs despite them being still signed.
- the old binturong enclosure has been converted for one of their Red Pandas. The panda was scent marking and very active. There are still two pandas opposite the elephants.
- Southern Purple-spotted Gudgeon and Crimson-spotted Rainbowfish have been added to the Irwin’s Turtle enclosure.
- Updated holdings in walkthrough aviary: 2.0 Radjah Shelduck, 1.0 Sacred Kingfisher, 0.1 Satin Bowerbird, 1.0 Noisy Pitta, 2.1 Bush Stone-Curlew, 3.1 Glossy Ibis, 1.1 King Parrot, 0.0.2 Rainbow Lorikeet, 2.0 Red-rumped Parrot, 1.2 Superb Parrot, 1.1 Wonga Pigeon, 3.0 Rose-crowned Fruit-Dove, 0.0.7 White-headed Pigeon, a single Chestnut-breasted Mannikin, and larger groups of Gouldian Finch, Zebra Finch, Torresian Imperial-Pigeon, Pacific Emerald Dove, Bar-shouldered Dove and Bush Budgerigar. In short, a new pitta and no more Eclectus Parrot.
- a section of the wombat enclosure was closed for renovation. Lots of welding work today.
- Second clutches of Perentie and Irwin’s Turtle are being reared off-show.
An update on the Red Pandas confirmed via the zoo. The male offspring bred at the zoo (1.0 Teddy) is housed now where the binturong were. Their breeding pair 1.0 Nima and 0.1 Mohini are currently sharing the enclosure near the elephants.
Male Saltwater crocodile arrives:
It’s exciting to see an adult Saltwater crocodile added to the zoo’s collection, especially one that has a connection to Steve Irwin himself.
From socials:
Meet Old Faithful. This legendary saltie first met by Steve and Terri in the ’90s, and featured in their early filming projects!
After decades ruling his waterhole, in Far North Queensland, people not being Croc Wise sadly meant he was deemed a “problem crocodile” by the government and he was removed.
We couldn’t stand by and let him be sent to a crocodile farm… so we brought him to Australia Zoo to give the big guy a forever home. We know Steve would be over the moon that we could have him here, in the sanctuary that he built, safe and sound to live out the rest of his days!
It’s exciting to see an adult Saltwater crocodile added to the zoo’s collection, especially one that has a connection to Steve Irwin himself.
From socials:
Meet Old Faithful. This legendary saltie first met by Steve and Terri in the ’90s, and featured in their early filming projects!
After decades ruling his waterhole, in Far North Queensland, people not being Croc Wise sadly meant he was deemed a “problem crocodile” by the government and he was removed.
We couldn’t stand by and let him be sent to a crocodile farm… so we brought him to Australia Zoo to give the big guy a forever home. We know Steve would be over the moon that we could have him here, in the sanctuary that he built, safe and sound to live out the rest of his days!
Interesting that he went here, there is a push to have him returned to the wild. Aus zoo is probably the best place for him to end up.
He was never going back to the wild after being deemed a 'problem croc'. It's great Beerwah have offered to take him on - especially considering his connection to the Irwins.
Traditional owners and some conservationists are still fighting the decision, he didn't really fit the problem croc title.
I think at this point it is a loosing battle, they may get the criteria changed tho. We'll have to wait and see.
ETA : Considering tourists were luring him out of the water with food, there will be a lot of crocs removed if that becomes a criteria to be a problem croc.
Any croc that has any association with humans is considered a problem croc. Especially as this one will likely have now associated humans with food, due to them feeding him. Absolutely a problem croc by definition. It's good that they've been proactive and taken him in honestly.
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
3 Australian Goshawk chicks have been rescued and taken in care.
Wildlife Warriors on Instagram: "Meet Carrie Ann, Derek & Bruno! These sweet little goshawk chicks score a ten in absolute cuteness, and have danced their way into the hearts of our entire wildlife hospital team. The tree they were nesting in was cut down, and they were brought to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. After a thorough check up from our veterinary team, they’ll stay in care until they’re old enough to be released back into the wild to rule the skies! "
Wildlife Warriors on Instagram: "Meet Carrie Ann, Derek & Bruno! These sweet little goshawk chicks score a ten in absolute cuteness, and have danced their way into the hearts of our entire wildlife hospital team. The tree they were nesting in was cut down, and they were brought to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. After a thorough check up from our veterinary team, they’ll stay in care until they’re old enough to be released back into the wild to rule the skies! "
Haliaeetus
Well-Known Member
1 Koala joey called PRINCE has been taken in care.
Wildlife Warriors on Instagram: "Meet Prince! This adorable little koala joey was found all alone by a passer-by walking their dog. Despite searches, his mum couldn’t be found.
He’s now getting the royal treatment at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. With Dancing With the Stars celebrating Prince Night in the semi-finals tonight, we couldn’t resist giving this brave joey a name fit for the spotlight. 
Time to let his tiny purple reign begin! "
Wildlife Warriors on Instagram: "Meet Prince! This adorable little koala joey was found all alone by a passer-by walking their dog. Despite searches, his mum couldn’t be found.
He’s now getting the royal treatment at the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. With Dancing With the Stars celebrating Prince Night in the semi-finals tonight, we couldn’t resist giving this brave joey a name fit for the spotlight. Time to let his tiny purple reign begin! "