AusLeisure

The Australian Reptile Park has welcomed the ground breaking of its new venom milking facility by Local State Member for Terrigal, Adam Crouch.

The facility will produce life-saving antivenom from terrestrial snakes' venom and is estimated to save 300 lives per year. The park is the only facility in Australia to milk terrestrial snakes' venom to make antivenom.

The new Venom Precinct will allow for upgraded safety, animal welfare, biosecurity, and equipment integrity, while also helping to educate the community about venom production.

The new facility will allow visitors to witness the venom milking process firsthand, as well as interactive and informative exhibits. This immersive experience is a testament to the park's commitment to saving lives, and its role in contributing to the local economy through tourism.

Tim Faulkner, Director of Australian Reptile Park enthused "we are thrilled to have Adam Crouch MP complete the ground breaking of this historic project.

"The new facility will allow us to produce even more life-saving antivenom, while also providing visitors with an engaging and educational experience. It's amazing to think that the venom of these creatures, which can be so deadly, can also be the key to their own treatment."

The project was made possible thanks to a $300,000 grant from NSW Health and the State Government. The new facility is expected to be completed by the end of 2023, and the Australian Reptile Park is excited to welcome visitors to witness the venom milking process firsthand and learn about the importance of antivenom in treating snake bites.

Faulkner continued “the Australian Reptile Park’s antivenom has been saving Australian lives since the 1960s, this is compliments to the Australian Government over the years by making the administering of antivenom free in Australia. The Australian Reptile Park is the jewel of the Central Coast and support from Adam Crouch MP over the last decade has not only benefitted the Reptile Park, but community and region.”

Crouch added “The Australian Reptile Park do fantastic work with their antivenom program, saving approximately 300 Australian lives per year. The vital work being done by the Australian Reptile Park as the sole supplier of venom to the commonwealth serum laboratories, helps save lives right across our nation and I am delighted that the State Government is providing funding for this life saving project.

“In addition to providing a lifesaving community service the Australian Reptile Park is known as a multi award winning wildlife tourism operator. Providing vital jobs to Central Coast locals and attracting over 300,000 visitors to our region.”

The Australian Reptile Park is a hands-on zoo located the natural bush setting of the Central Coast of NSW, only 60 minutes from Sydney or Newcastle. Enjoy live entertaining shows, themed exhibits and interaction with many of the wildlife park’s residents. The Park is open daily from 9am-5pm, with complimentary parking and BBQ facilities. To book online tickets and for more information, head to www.reptilepark.com.au

Image top: Australian Reptile Park ground breaking of new venom milking facility with Adam Crouch; image centre: Australian Reptile Park Billy Collett milks King Brown Snake with Crouch; image above: Exterior facade of new venom facility

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