The Australian Reptile Park’s new venom milking facility is well and truly underway, with Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch breaking ground for the start of construction.
The Somersby Park will produce life-saving antivenom from terrestrial snakes’ venom and is expected to save 300 lives per year.
It is the only facility in Australia to milk terrestrial snakes’ venom to make antivenom and will allow visitors to witness the venom milking process first-hand as well as having interactive and informative exhibits.
Park Director Tim Faulkner said the new facility would allow for production of 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 treatment,” he said.
“The Australian Reptile Park’s antivenom has been saving Australian lives since the 1960s, thanks to the Australian Government making the administering of antivenom free in Australia.”
Crouch said the new facility would allow for upgraded safety, animal welfare, biosecurity and equipment integrity, while also helping to educate the community about venom production.
“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,” he said.
“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 more than 300,000 visitors to our region.”
The project was made possible thanks to a $300,000 grant from the NSW Government and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Source:
Media release, Mar 15
Australian Reptile Park