Green Anaconda Exhibit Opens at Australia Zoo

Posted By : The Animal Facts Editorial Team

Date: May 19, 2021 1:20 pm

Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell release Nicki the green anaconda in her new home

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo

Visitors to Australia Zoo on the country’s Sunshine Coast will now be able to meet one of the world’s largest snakes as Nicki the green anaconda went on display recently. Chanlder Powell and Bindi Irwin helped to release her in to her enclosure.

“Female anacondas grow to be significantly larger than males and have the capacity to reach lengths of over 8 metres and weigh more than 200kg,” said Nick Kuyper, Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians at Australia Zoo.

Nicki the green anaconda explores her new home at Australia Zoo

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo

Nicki won’t be alone with three boa constrictors joining her in her new home.

“Nicki is eleven years old, has a very healthy appetite, and is growing rapidly during this early stage of her life. She will also be sharing her habitat with three beautiful boa constrictors,” Nick said.

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Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell were on hand to help release Nicki in to the new enclosure located within Australia Zoo’s Crocoseum precinct.

“Nicki is absolutely gorgeous and we are so proud of our team at Australia Zoo who spent the last 12 months on the design and construction of Nicki’s habitat, created to immerse our guests into a world of the tropical South American forests,” said Bindi Irwin.

“We are beyond excited for visitors to come and meet Nicki in her new home, hopefully having them leave the zoo with a greater love and fascination for this remarkable species,” said Chandler Powell.

Bindi Irwin and Chandler Powell with Nicki the green anaconda in her new home

Photo Credit: Australia Zoo

A range of features have been included in the habitat to provide the best life for icki as Nick Kuyper explained, “It was important to maintain the temperature and humidity within the habitat through multiple heating elements and thermostats. The team introduced appropriate amounts of Ultraviolet B light, allowing Nicki to metabolise her diet and maintain optimum health,” he said.

“We additionally introduced the right amount of Ultraviolet A light, allowing the natural plants to thrive in the habitat, also contributing towards levelled amounts of humidity.”