Moonlit Sanctuary Reptile Centre opens

A new reptile enclosure opened at Moonlit Sanctuary in Pearcedale on 4 July. L-R Chris Mall, Nicola Craddock, Michael Johnson, Lisa Tuthill and James Small. (Gary Sissons: 417219_02)

Moonlit Sanctuary in Pearcedale opened a new Reptile Centre on Thursday 4 July.

The newest attraction features a collection of venomous snakes, pythons, a freshwater crocodile, green tree frogs, and a diverse array of lizards in purpose-built reptile habitats.

Each habitat in the new centre has been meticulously designed to cater to the specific needs of its inhabitants.

With precise requirements for temperature, humidity, water quality, and lighting, the custom-built facility features seven climate-controlled zones that provide basking, climbing, and camouflage areas for very particular residents.

The enclosures replicate Southeastern Bushland, Central Australia, and the scrubland of Western Australia.

Nicola Craddock, executive director of the Zoo and Aquarium Association of Australasia (ZAA), joined the official opening of the centre.

“Our Reptile Centre represents a significant milestone in our mission to inspire and educate our guests about the critical role amphibians and reptiles play in our ecosystems,” Michael Johnson, owner and director of Moonlit Sanctuary, said.

“This new space highlights some of Australia’s wildlife that don’t always receive a lot of love but are crucial to our ecosystems.

“It allows us to continue our mission of strengthening the bond between humans and wildlife by providing access and education around a great range of fascinating reptiles and fostering an appreciation for them.”