Taronga scales to new heights with the opening of the new Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Centre

Overarching

• ARC is Taronga Zoo Sydney’s exciting new Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Centre, located on beautiful Cammeraigal Country.
• Discover more than 42 fascinating creatures, from the vibrant Eyelash Viper to the master of threat display, the Frilled Lizard.
• ARC brings you face-to-face with creatures that evolved tens of millions of years ago, including the amazing Alligator Snapping Turtle.
• Explore six immersive climate zones, showcasing habitats from frosty sub-alpine regions to scorching deserts and lush rainforests.
• Experience conservation in action at ARC, featuring dedicated conservation rooms housing numerous critically endangered species that Taronga is actively working to protect, such as the Corroboree and Booroolong Frog.
• ARC features multi-species displays and interactive stations educating guests on the critical role and threats facing reptiles and amphibians.

Conservation

• Amphibians and reptiles are extraordinary species with clever adaptations, from flying snakes and colour-changing lizards, and frogs that breathe underwater.
• Reptiles have roamed the Earth for nearly 200 million years, evolving into diverse forms while retaining their prehistoric traits – they are today’s real-life dinosaurs.
• These species play essential roles in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Their unique behaviours and characteristics contribute to the balance and beauty of our natural world. Often, when an ecosystem or environment is out of balance, reptiles and amphibians are the first to tell us.
• Despite their adaptability, reptiles and amphibians are among the most imperilled species on Earth. Rapid environmental changes are causing them to disappear faster than we can study them.
• The IUCN Red List reports that 41% of amphibians and 20% of reptiles are threatened with extinction, with turtles facing an even grimmer outlook at 61%.
• Climate change is one of the main threats to reptiles and amphibians alongside habitat destruction, environmental toxins, and exploitation. The changing climate challenges their very existence, mirroring the broader impacts on our own world.
• Taronga is at the forefront of reptile and amphibian conservation in Australia, working to save seven species from the brink of extinction. Our efforts demonstrate the importance and effectiveness of conservation work. These species include:                                                            

o Yellow-spotted Bell Frog o Bellinger River Snapping Turtle 
o Booroolong Frog o Southern Corroboree Frog
o Northern Corroboree Frog
o Christmas Island Blue-tailed Skink
o Lister’s Gecko

• Five of the seven reptile and amphibian species that Taronga is working to save from extinction will be on display at the new Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Centre. These include the Yellow-spotted Bell Frog, Bellinger River Snapping Turtle, Booroolong Frog, Southern Corroboree Frog, and Northern Corroboree Frog.
• The new facilities within ARC will allow Taronga to expand its recovery efforts while better showcasing and educating the guests about this critical work.
• ARC also features five animal Climate Heroes to guide guests through a climate-focused behaviour change campaign.
• Climate change can feel overwhelming, but individual actions matter. By making eco-friendly choices in your everyday life, you can help reduce your environmental footprint and contribute to a brighter future for both humans and wildlife.
• The core of ARC is to educate children and guests about climate change and its impact on creatures, including reptiles and amphibians, through an engaging and digestible experience. This approach aims to inspire action without provoking climate fatigue.