Five new arrivals made a very steady entrance to Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo on Thursday, just in time for the zoo’s reopening to the public on Saturday.
The five Madagascan Tortoises were introduced to their new home located opposite the Komodo Dragon and Meerkat enclosures.
Snakes Downunder Reptile Park and Zoo owner Ian Jenkins said the tortoises, also known as Radiated Tortoises because of their distinctive shells, were among the planet’s critically endangered species.
“Poachers, black-market sales and habitat loss have led to a decimation of the species and hopefully we can play a part in their preservation.”
Mr Jenkins said he was delighted that the zoo would be reopening, with restrictions, from Saturday.
“Bookings are required for people intending to visit the zoo. There is a limit of 20 people at any one time and to cater to numbers we will be conducting three 90-minute sessions on Saturday and Sunday each with a 30-minute break between.”
Mr Jenkins said the zoo animals had missed the interaction with visitors which had led to some shyness.
“However, I am really confident, given their natural curiosity, that all animals will adapt very quickly once members of the public again become a regular part of their lives.”
Regarding the opening this weekend, Mr Jenkins requested that intending visitors book using Snake Downunder's landline 07 41263332 during office hours.
“At this stage we will be open this weekend June 6 and 7, Friday, Saturday and Sunday for June 12, 13, 14, and June 19, 20, 21 and then for the whole of the June-July holiday.”
Session times are 9.30-11.00, 11.30-1.00 and 1.30-3.00.
To keep up to date follow Snakes Downunder’s Facebook page.
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