New space for snakes and lizards as sanctuary unveils Reptile House

BYRON Bay Wildlife Sanctuary has unveiled its new Reptile House at Knockrow, featuring 28 bioactive enclosures which will enhance and see a range of new reptiles, amphibians, and insects at the facility.

Visitors will now be able to get up close with native reptiles as well as rare non-native species not typically found on the Northern Rivers.

“I’ve been here for eight years, and this is the best thing that’s happened with these animals in that time,” sanctuary operations manager Rachael Smith said.

“Our motto here to protect, respect and enjoy our wildlife. This is a great way we can educate and help spread that message.

“We’ve got a few different types of python species, including some new ones that have come down from Queensland.

Snake handler Brock Gordon with one of the pythons at the new Reptile House, which has been built at the Byron Bay Wildlife Sanctuary at Knockrow. Photo: DAVID COPE

“We’ve got some venomous snakes on the way, and it will be great to be able to showcase them over the summer holidays.

“There are frogs and insects and a full array of species down the back, too.”

The Reptile House also has a 5m red-bellied black snake sculpture crafted by the Natureworks Sculpture Artists.

It complements a giant cockatoo sculpture that was recently added at the entrance of the sanctuary.

The new facility has been upgraded from an old reptile shed, which was used by handlers.

Dane Murrell from Rolling Stone Projects oversaw the build and said it all came together once the final enclosures arrived a fortnight ago.

One of the snakes in its bioactive enclosure in the new Reptile House. Photo: DAVID COPE

“It was a big job; every enclosure needed an access panel for the keepers to get in there and be able to adjust lighting and heating,” he said.

“This was a whole other level of work. We had to think about what was best for the animals and the workers.

“It feels great to see everyone walking through it now and I can’t wait to bring my own kids here.

“It’s easily accessible and it will be a great focal point for the sanctuary for years to come.”

The sanctuary will hold reptile talks twice daily at 10.30am and 2pm, sharing information and offering a chance to get close to the snakes and lizards.