Conservation Status: Least Concern
Species: Invertebrate
These gastropods take life at a gentle pace! They perform a vital role as one of nature’s recyclers.
Our Reptile House is home to an amazing variety of crucially important species of invertebrates
From many-legged millipedes to no-legged slugs and snails plus a good few insects species in between, our range of amazing invertebrates will keep you captivated. Come to one of our inspiring animal carer talks to find out which of our reptiles has more hairs than our largest mammal, Casper!
Giant African Land Snail / Pancake Slug
Giant Millipede
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Species: Invertebrate
These creatures are classed as myriapods and are also vital in the ecosystem as recyclers, helping to return precious nutrients back into the soil.
Malagasy Hissing Cockroach
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Species: Invertebrate
These insects are armoured little individuals which recycle leaf litter and other waste from the forest floor, making the nutrients accessible for further plant growth. They have an effective deterrent warning sound which sounds just like a snake’s hiss …come and listen!
Stick & Leaf Insects & Macleay’s Spectre
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Species: Invertebrates
Stick insects, leaf insects, giant lime green stick insects, crowned stick insects, Guadalupe stick insects & macleay’s spectre. Around the globe, insects are vital for pollination, recycling and as a food source and without them, life on Earth would crumble. Come and meet our vibrantly-coloured masters of disguise and be amazed at their beauty.
Zuri & Biter
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Species: Reptile, Royal Python
The Royal Python, is native to West and Central Africa, where it lives in grasslands, shrublands and open forests. This nonvenomous constrictor is the smallest of the African pythons, growing to a maximum length of 182 cm. Donated by private sponsors, Biter and Zuri are helping us to engage public interest and promote positivity and responsible pet care.
Mr. Hiss
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Species: Reptile, Corn Snake
Mr. Hiss is a Corn snake and sadly was an unwanted pet who came to us via a rescue centre. Along with our pythons, Mr Hiss helps our public engage with responsible pet care and ownership. Corn snakes are found in grassland areas throughout central and south-east America.
Kanak & Lapita
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Species: Reptile, Crested Gecko
Our gorgeous pair have been given their forever home here at the sanctuary after their former private owners could no longer meet their needs. This species, which comes from areas of rainforest canopy in New Caledonia, has had an almost unbelievable journey! From being declared extinct, through chance rediscovery and then careful management in human care, numbers have increased so that it can now be found as a pet in many homes.
Missy
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Species: Reptile, Madagascan Day Gecko
This tree-dwelling species lives in tropical areas and feeds on insects and nectar. This species is found in Madagascar and nearby islands.
Mika, Njala & Lucy
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Species: Reptile, Standing’s Day Gecko
These sweet little animals communicate by body posture and a range of squeaks, clicks and croaks very similar to that of frogs. They are around 8-10 years old. This species is found only in south-west Madagascar.
Rocco & Matteo
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Species: Reptile, Spur-thighed Tortoise
Rocco is, according to the Animal Care Team, the fastest tortoise in the world! He is definitely in love with our female …re-named Mattea when we realised our ‘male’ Matteo had laid an egg!! Found in areas of Africa, North and South America, Asia and Europe.
Mossy Frog
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Species: Amphibian
From Vietnam, this species has an adorable sound and is almost impossible to find when camouflaged amongst moss and stone.
White’s Tree Frog
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Species: Amphibian
This Australasian species of frog defies popular conception by living, as the name suggests, not in water but in trees.
Our Koi
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Species: Fish, Koi
We have a charming group of Koi here at the sanctuary including Flip, Flap & Flop! They were formerly pets and came to us from a private owner, thanks to generous corporate sponsorship which enabled us to build a new pond for them. Our shimmering water-babies really enjoy interacting with those members of our visiting public who choose to buy our specially formulated fish food with which to hand feed them.