TAMIELLIA Smith may not have liked the look of Rockhampton Zoo’s big goanna yesterday but her mother, Melissa Galvin, believes more reptiles can only be a good thing.
All that slithers and crawls could soon find a home at the zoo, with Rockhampton Regional Council officers currently finalising detailed designs for a proposed new $1.4 million reptile exhibit.
Ms Galvin, who was taking Tamiellia to the zoo for the first time yesterday, said she felt more attractions at the zoo could act as an educational opportunity as well as an attraction.
“I think it would be worthwhile,” she said.
“I think we need more animals here.”
“If it’s hands-on the kids would be able to know what they could touch.”
Possible redevelopment was discussed during a sports and recreation committee meeting this month. A total of $1 million has been set aside in the 2009/2010 council budget for zoo redevelopment. Council plans to redevelop the zoo over the next five financial years.
It is unknown yet what animals could make up the exhibit if it gets council approval or if a specialist reptile handler would be employed to manage the exhibit.
Ms Galvin said she’d like to see a hands-on component to an exhibit with native reptiles, while Blair Galvin said he’d like to see cobras or crocodiles.
A detailed report will be tabled to councillors for consideration on June 8.