Sydney Zoo will be closed to the public, including pass holders on Sunday 24 November & Wednesday 4 December, 2024.
Sydney Zoo will be closed to the public, including pass holders on Sunday 24 November & Wednesday 4 December, 2024.
SPECIES OXYURANUS MICROLEPIDOTUS
Approximately 2-2.5m
Long-haired rat
The inland taipan is the world’s most venomous snake. But despite this, there are no recorded human fatalities from inland taipan bites. It is a shy snake that avoids confrontation and lives in remote areas.
The inland taipan is found in some of the most remote and inhospitable environments on Earth.
It uses cracks in the soil as refuge, as well as mammal burrows. The inland taipan’s venom is highly toxic and it is likely that it evolved this way because the snakes feed on long-haired rats, which bite in self-defence. A quick death for the rat also means that the snake doesn’t have to expose itself to the harsh sun and heat while searching for its prey after it has been bitten.
The inland taipan changes colours with the seasons. It is dark all over in winter but light brown with a black head in summer.
All encounter participants must:
Please note: your booking is not confirmed until the indemnity form is signed.
