Meet the taipan at the "Australian Outback" The world’s deadliest snake shares a new home in the “Australian Outback” at the Singapore Zoo. Plus, a new healthcare and research centre opens. Come face-to-face with the taipan, the deadliest snake in the world at the Singapore Zoo. Hailing from Australia, three taipans now take residence in the park’s new “Australian Outback” exhibit. Native to Australia, the inland taipan or otherwise known as the “fierce snake” boasts of having the most toxic venom of any snake. Yielding as much as 110mg of venom per bite, it has the capability to kill over 100 people or 250,000 mice. Visitors can view this reptile safely through a glass panel. Australian High Commissioner Mr Miles Kupa and Steve Irwin, renowned show presenter and owner of Australia Zoo in Queensland, were present at the opening of the exhibit. Mr Irwin received a cheque donation of S$20,000 on behalf of Australia Zoo from the Wildlife Research & Conservation Fund. This donation aims to contribute to Australia Zoo’s conservation and education programmes. Ms Fanny Lai, Executive Director of Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, said: “We would like to expose our visitors to some of the less-known indigenous animals found in Australia. As such, we have expanded our collection to include the taipan and grey kangaroos. To further enrich visitors’ experience, the “Australian Outback” has been designed such that visitors have the opportunity for up-close observation.” In addition, seven female grey kangaroos have been flown in from Australia to make “Australian Outback” their home. Other animals found in the exhibit include the cassowary, emu, wallaby, blue-tongue skink, frilled-neck lizard, and the carpet python. Meanwhile, in yet another breakthrough initiative, the Singapore Zoo has opened its new S$3.6 million Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre. The double-storey centre, covering 1,600 sqm, boasts purpose-built facilities such as a fully-equipped operating theatre, a hoist which can lift weights of up to 1,000 kg and animal wards with motorised walls to better control potentially dangerous animals. An interesting feature for visitors is a viewing gallery with a glass panel which allows them to witness firsthand surgical procedures in the operating theatre; and displays of surgical instruments, taxidermised animal parts, specimens of common animal parasites and Chinese herbs used in treatment of animals. Ms Lai said: “The Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre will better meet the healthcare needs of nearly 4,000 animals at Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.” The Zoo also aspires to build the Wildlife Healthcare and Research Centre into a regional and, in time, global leader in veterinary healthcare and research, training of Zoo vets and reproductive research in Zoo animals.