Very true. Melbourne's design also allows for viewing on both sides of the pathway (ie. exhibits on both sides), which I think contributes to it's larger pathway sizes. From my recollections of Serpentaria, the paths weren't overtly small, but when I never visited on busy days. In comparison, I recall many visits to Melbourne's when it was absolutely packed and was a nightmare to navigate through. With Taronga's far smaller pathway I can't begin to imagine the nightmare it would've been on busy days!
Japanese Giant Salamander? Really? Wow. Where was the Egyptian Cobra housed? I think there were Mexican Cantils in the early days too. I forgot about the Green Anaconda and the Northern Snake-necked Turtles and the Night Skinks as well. I had hoped Night Skinks might have featured in Nguwing Nura, seeing as they are presumably nocturnal, helped by the fact they disappeared from the reptile house just before the opening of the nocturnal house (same with Brush-tailed Mulgara, which made an appearance as a plush toy in the gift shop just before Nguwing Nura opened and raised my hopes further). What I am really worried about is what will happen to Barry the Freshwater Crocodile who has lived out the front of Reptile World for as long as I can remember.
If you were ever lucky enough to see the Giant Anaconda it was awesome, and always a crowd puller. Personally, the Sailfin Lizard and Fijian Crested Iguanas in the circular end of Serpentaria were my favourite. The Chameleons with them made an appealing and creative space, with the added benefit of a wider path, as opposed to the rest of the walkthrough. Wasn't a big fan of the humidity though.
Melbourne's certainly is; the architecture and design is very reminiscent of London's. In saying that, a lot of Melbourne is actually based off London too - the initial layout was also modelled on London's at the time.
Hopefully this signifies a resurgence in the regional breeding program for this species. It's likely Taronga will end up with a breeding pair, like Melbourne previously had.
I'm skeptical of Komodos and in particular Philippine crocs tbh, whilst they were definitely planned the species list that had them was a very early draft and many factors could of stopped Taronga from gaining these species in that time. The top area of ARCC also doesn't have any water space, and considering the architectural plans that went with that list had the crocs on the top floor it certainly doesn't look promising. Regardless of whether they end up at the zoo it is good that Taronga are actively trying to get new and exciting species, which is more than can be said for some of the other Australian zoos.If you were ever lucky enough to see the Giant Anaconda it was awesome, and always a crowd puller. Personally, the Sailfin Lizard and Fijian Crested Iguanas in the circular end of Serpentaria were my favourite. The Chameleons with them made an appealing and creative space, with the added benefit of a wider path, as opposed to the rest of the walkthrough. Wasn't a big fan of the humidity though.
The closing of Reptile World will take some getting used to I suspect, at least the ARC is opening soon. I hope to visit on the 26th, I can't wait to see Komodo Dragons again, and Philippine Croc for I believe the first time. Should be exciting
The top floor of the ARC has one major water exhibit, and two with minor water pools in them. It is my understanding that the Philippine Croc, Komodo Dragon and Rhinoceros Iguana will exhibit the top floor. It also my assumption the Philippine Croc will inhabit the predominantly water based exhibit, with the Komodo and Rhino Iguanas inhabiting two exhibits respectively. I do agree with you in that the arrival of Crocodiles and Dragons back into the region could be influential for breeding programs, with Taronga at the helm.
Taronga does hold Fijian Crested Iguanas, all 3 of them are usually present on display, or at least were. I haven't been in a few months, and can no longer obviously, but Taronga does plan to hold them in the future.
which plans are you basing the water off of? the approved plans don't have the water feature in the top right exhibit (were the crocs were supposed to go) as well as lacking the second floor's under water viewing. I also didn't seen any water up there when I visited on friday. See final plans here: https://majorprojects.planningporta...ttachRef=SSD-17483577!20220208T031107.567 GMTThe top floor of the ARC has one major water exhibit, and two with minor water pools in them. It is my understanding that the Philippine Croc, Komodo Dragon and Rhinoceros Iguana will exhibit the top floor. It also my assumption the Philippine Croc will inhabit the predominantly water based exhibit, with the Komodo and Rhino Iguanas inhabiting two exhibits respectively. I do agree with you in that the arrival of Crocodiles and Dragons back into the region could be influential for breeding programs, with Taronga at the helm.
Taronga does hold Fijian Crested Iguanas, all 3 of them are usually present on display, or at least were. I haven't been in a few months, and can no longer obviously, but Taronga does plan to hold them in the future.
Here is the link to a species list by floor plan, included is Fijian Crested Iguanas on the Second Floor. https://majorprojects.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/prweb/PRRestService/mp/01/getContent?AttachRef=SSD-17483577!20210714T010103.516 GMT
Edit: Not to sound full of myself here, but I was pretty spot on with my prediction
Of course, I am only skeptical because of the complete overhaul of the top floors layout from the one that explicitly mentioned a komodo being present.
They have Fijian Crested Iguanas, not Fijian Banded Iguanas anymore.
Thanks for the clarification.
