Finally a new exhibit at Werribee. I gather that it is an insect/reptile/amphibian house from the article on the wesite. Something Creepy is Happening in Werribee Something creepy is happening at Werribee Open Range Zoo following the official opening of its exciting new exhibit, Croaky Creepy Critters. The star-studded animal cast was unveiled by Wyndham Mayor, Cr Kim McAliney today. “The animals in this exhibit are a wonderful collection of fascinating and somewhat creepy animals,” Cr McAliney said. “Visitors will be delighted by the wonderfully creative and interactive areas that showcase this wonderful animal collection.” Giant Burrowing Cockroaches, Giant Walking Stick Insects, Bearded Dragon lizards, Japanese Fire Bellied Newts and baby Madagascan Ground Boas are just a few of the stars of Croaky Creepy Critters. Werribee Open Range Zoo Director, Jenny Gray, said the exhibit was imaginative, interactive and educational. “The animals in Croaky Creepy Critters may make some people squirm, but we think most will find them exciting and intriguing,” Ms Gray said. “The exhibit features a desert area which leads into a dark rainforest where you can stroll past giant mushrooms and peer inside giant tree trunks to view the animals. “We also have zoo keepers on hand to inform visitors about the creatures and to offer some animal close encounters.” Ms Gray said while the Werribee Open Range Zoo was well known for its larger African animals at the zoo, this new exhibit would give people an extra reason to visit, especially during the school holidays and the colder winter months. “Sometimes the bigger or cuter ‘media friendly’ animals steal the limelight, but smaller animals and insects are equally important to biodiversity and the world’s future survival,” Ms Gray said. “An example is the outpouring of support for dolphins and whales, but you won’t see people waving banners to save plankton, despite claims these organisms have been reduced by a third in recent years. “The entire marine food chain relies on plankton. The point is that we must protect all smaller species like frogs, spiders, lizards and insects, if we are to protect all species, including humans. “We are warned by experts about a global extinction crisis and that 40 per cent of all the earth’s species are now at a high risk of extinction. Each creature – ourselves included – relies on another animal or plant to survive. “That is why Croaky Creepy Critters is so important. It is a celebration of all animals, not just the ‘cute’ ones, and it highlights the great importance of biodiversity.” Croaky Creepy Critters cast includes: Japanese Fire Bellied Newts Giant Burrowing Cockroaches Spiny Leaf Stick Insect Giant Walking Stick Insects Giant Grasshoppers Jade Stick Insect Red Back Spider Bearded Dragon Lizards Shingle Back Lizards Green Tree Frogs Growling Grass Frogs Rocky River Tree Frog Blue Mountains Tree Frog Stuttering Barred Frog Dyeing Poison Arrow Frog Baby Madagascan Ground Boa Veiled Chameleons Frilled Neck lizard And a new wetlands walk and drought proof garden area and I have heard absolutley nothing about both of these and a live in Victoria.
