Warm and wet conditions are perfect for the resident frogs and lizards at Healesville Sanctuary.
But there’s no need to rely on the right weather forecast – keepers know just how to create the perfect wet and misty microhabitats for the 15 lizard species and five frog species that call the Sanctuary home.
There’s much excitement among the amphibians and reptiles when misters are turned on and spray bottles come out, with tongues lapping up the flows as skin and scales glisten.
Reptile Keeper Jamieson Brodie said replicating natural rain downpours that occur in the wild is one of the ways the Sanctuary cares for its residents.
“We provide water in lots of different ways, via ponds, flowing rivers, and even spray bottles,” Mr Brodie said.
“Some of our desert species, like the Bearded Dragons, drink lots of water in one sitting as it falls from the sky. When we spray the mister bottles, the dragons lap it up as soon they feel it on their face, channelling the water towards their mouth.
“We also have timed mister systems for our more tropical species, like the Boyd’s Forest Dragons, a species which can be found in Cairns. The misters provide four minutes of rain, three times a day, to ensure the habitats are humid, just the way the reptiles like it.
“The viewing gallery of the Reptile House at Healesville Sanctuary is the place to be because it’s always kept at 24 degrees.”
All the reptiles receive additional water on a rotating roster to mimic a variety of rain patterns. The size of the animal usually determines water intake.
Zoos Victoria is fighting to protect the extinction of endangered lizards and frogs, such as the Alpine She-oak Skink, Guthega Skink, Grassland Earless Dragon, Baw Baw Frog, Giant Burrowing Frog, Large Brown Tree Frog, Northern Corroboree Frog, Southern Corroboree Frog, Spotted Tree Frog and Stuttering Barred Frog.
To learn more about these unique species, visit zoo.org.au/fighting-extinction/local-threatened-species.
The Healesville Sanctuary Reptile House is open from 10am until 4.30pm daily.
Zoos Victoria and Healesville Sanctuary visitors are reminded that all tickets must be pre-booked online at zoo.org.au. Zoos Victoria Members no longer need to book but are required to scan their Membership card to gain entry.
