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Reptile care short course

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Things to know

  • Location

    Taronga Zoo Sydney

  • Who

    This course is ideal for begginers 16 years or older who are reptile enthusiasts, aspiring keepers, or anyone considering a reptile as a pet.

  • When

    8am - 4pm
     
    Check booking form for upcoming dates.

  • Cost

    $259 per person
     
    Zoo Friend members get 10% off.

Introduction to caring for Reptiles

Step into the fascinating world of reptiles with this beginner-friendly course. Led by Taronga’s experienced keepers, you’ll learn the essentials of reptile care, including habitat setup, feeding, health checks, and safe handling techniques for snakes, turtles, and lizards. Perfect for reptile enthusiasts, aspiring keepers, or anyone considering a reptile as a pet.

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Inclusions

  • Online learning

    Online modules introducing basic reptile care concepts and terms

  • Course

    A face-to-face day at Taronga Zoo with one of our expert trainers, where you can practice and hone your reptile care skills

  • Certificate

    A certificate of participation

  • Experiences

    Exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences at Taronga Zoo

  • Inclusions

    Complimentary car parking

Meet the trainers

Lisa Cavanagh

Lisa began her journey with Taronga in 2003 as a volunteer with the reptile team, quickly discovering her passion for a career in animal care. She has since gained experience across many sections of the zoo, working with reptiles, Australian fauna, birds, and ungulates. Lisa’s first full-time role was in the Australian Fauna Precinct, and since 2011 she has been with the Reptile team, caring for species including lizards, snakes, crocodiles, turtles, tortoises, frogs, and tuatara. She is also actively involved in conservation projects, including leading research on the Christmas Island blue-tailed skink and Lister’s gecko, two species extinct in the wild

Chris Dryburgh

Chris started his professional animal care career in 2006 and has been with Taronga since 2009, progressing from the volunteer keeper program to Level 2 Senior Herpetofauna Keeper. He has worked across multiple animal divisions and gained experience both in Australia—including Lord Howe, Christmas, and Cocos-Keeling Islands—and overseas in New Zealand, Indonesia, and Fiji.
Chris has led international conservation workshops, manages the Australasian Komodo Dragon studbook and breeding program, and has significantly grown the program to its largest population in the region. He is also dedicated to developing the next generation of keepers, serving on the Australasian Society of Zookeeping Committee since 2013 and as President since 2019, and trains students in Taronga’s Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care.

Prepare for your course

  • Participants must complete an online module prior to the workshop at Taronga Zoo. 
  • Each course will access the Zoo by foot therefore requires participants to have a moderate level of fitness and good mobility.  
  • Day courses are an all-weather experience so please come prepared for any inclement weather. Taronga reserves the right to cancel the course at any time due to unforeseen circumstances such as natural disasters or in the event of severe weather. In the unlikely chance that this situation should occur, Taronga will contact you prior to your participation date.

Gift this course

Purchase a gift voucher for one of our unique short courses and give someone in your life the the ultimate opportunity to be trained by Taronga’s best! Zoo Friends discount not applicable on course gift voucher purchases.

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Booking terms and conditions

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