Conservation Ark
About Conservation Ark
A Purpose-Built Hub for Wildlife Recovery
Conservation Ark is one of two operational bases for Aussie Ark, located at the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast of New South Wales. This purpose-built facility plays a vital role in the care, breeding, and recovery of some of Australia’s most endangered native animals.
From venomous snakes and native frogs to elusive rodents like the Broad-Toothed Rat, Conservation Ark is home to a diverse mix of species that are often overlooked — but critical to Australia’s ecological balance.
While the Barrington site is Aussie Ark’s flagship base, a vast, wild sanctuary where animals are reintroduced into natural habitat, Conservation Ark functions as a secondary breeding facility. Both sites run their own breeding programs and together form a powerful, complementary network supporting species recovery from care to release.
Why Conservation Ark Matters
Australia is in the grip of an extinction crisis. More than 1,900 species are listed as threatened, and we’re losing native animals faster than almost anywhere else on Earth. Conservation Ark is one of the places where we’re fighting back.
Here, endangered reptiles, amphibians, native rodents, and small marsupials receive expert care and the chance to recover. Species such as the Broad-Toothed Rat, New Holland Mouse, Broad-Headed Snake, freshwater turtles including the Manning River, Bell’s, and Hunter River Turtles, along with Littlejohn’s Tree Frog, Southern Stuttering Frog, and the Giant Barred Frog are bred and managed onsite through targeted recovery programs.
Conservation Ark provides the close monitoring and controlled environments many species need in the early stages of life, before they’re ready for rewilding into protected sanctuaries and wild habitats across Australia. It is a cornerstone of our two-site approach to wildlife conservation - protecting species now, while preparing them for a wild future.
At A Glance
Location - Located at the Australian Reptile Park on the New South Wales Central Coast, Conservation Ark is Aussie Ark’s base for intensive animal care and species management.
Reptile, Amphibian and Native Rodent Breeding Programs - Home to some of Australia’s most vulnerable and underrepresented wildlife, including venomous snakes, endangered frogs, and native rodents like the Broad-Toothed Rat.
Role in Species Recovery - Supports breeding, veterinary care, and pre-release preparation for threatened animals as part of broader recovery efforts.
Part of a Two-Site System - Works in tandem with Barrington Wildlife Sanctuary to deliver full-spectrum conservation programs from breeding to rewilding.
Public Engagement - Located within a major tourism attraction, Conservation Ark gives the public a rare glimpse into real conservation work and helps foster a deeper connection to Australia’s wildlife.
How You Can Help
You can make a real difference! At Aussie Ark, we’re working tirelessly to protect Australia’s unique wildlife and restore their habitats. From Tasmanian Devils to Eastern Quolls, your support helps us care for endangered animals and preserve the beauty of our native bushland.
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Donate
Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
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Adopt
Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
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Visit
Every dollar you give goes directly toward creating safe havens, providing medical care, and ensuring these amazing creatures have a future.
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Shop
Browse the range of environmental gifts in our online store and buy an impactful gift for your special someone.
The importance of rewilding
Find out more about our Rewilding Programs to understand how sanctuaries like this are crucial to the survival of endangered Australian species.
Get involved and support our mission
Shop, adopt, or experience the Sanctuary for yourself through one of our educational tour experiences. Get involved today, and help us work towards a better tomorrow.
