Warmth welcomed: The black-headed python has been enjoying the hotter temperatures in recent weeks at Kyabram Fauna Park. Photo: Zoos Victoria.
Reptiles of all shapes and sizes are basking in delight at the warm-weather enrichment on offer at Kyabram Fauna Park.
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Snakes, lizards and turtles can leave their homes in the Reptile Habitat to slither, waddle and bask outdoors in the grass on sunny days.
Park keeper Ambrose Burcher said non-venomous reptiles benefited from the exercise and sunshine during the outdoor enrichment.
“On nice sunny days, they can explore, get some natural UV and feel a variety of new textures on the ground,” Mr Burcher said.
“The reptiles display exploratory behaviours like smelling plants, slithering around their environment, and some of the lizards even close their eyes and stretch their necks towards the sun as they bask.”
Closer look: A shingleback lizard at the Kyabram Fauna Park. Photo: Zoos Victoria.
Broad-shell turtles, black-headed pythons, shingleback lizards, eastern blue tongue lizards and coastal carpet pythons are some of the species visitors can see enjoying the outdoor enrichment.
As cold-blooded creatures, reptiles sunbathe to raise their body temperature, generate more energy and digest food.
“As the weather gets warmer, reptiles would naturally be sunning themselves more, so we’re encouraging that behaviour with this enrichment,” Mr Burcher said.
“This activity also means visitors may be lucky enough to see the reptiles when they’re at their most active.“
The Reptile Habitat is also home to the world’s most venomous snake, the inland taipan; the world’s longest snake, the reticulated python; as well as 15 other species of reptiles.
Visitors can see reptile outdoor enrichment between 11.30am and noon every day of the week within the grassed area near the Reptile Habitat.
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