The Gila monster (pronounced Hee-la) is a species of venomous lizard native to the Southwestern United States and the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. It is a heavy, slow-moving reptile, up to 56cm long, and it is the only venomous lizard native to the United States. They are sluggish in nature, so it is not generally dangerous and very rarely poses a real threat to humans. The skin appears as small studs and varioes from black and yellow to black and light pink. They inhabit scrubland, succulent desert, and oak woodland, seeking shelter in burrows, thickets, and under rocks in locations with a favorable microclimate and adequate humidity. Gila monsters rely heavily on the use of shelters and spend up to 90% of their time dwelling there. The Gila monster’s diet consists of a variety of food items – small mammals, birds, snakes, lizards, frogs, insects, other invertebrates, carrion, and the eggs of birds, lizards, snakes, and tortoises. Three to four large meals in spring are claimed to give them enough energy for a whole season. While the Hila’s venom is toxic to humans, derivatives of some of the venoms components are used in human medicine.
Quick Facts
Diet
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Colour
Vary from beige , tan, cream to black
Weight
10-15kgs
Lifespan
7-10 in the wild but up to 16 in captivity
Predators
Humans, crocodiles, birds of prey take pups.
Conservation Status
Endangered
Distribution
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Habitat
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Our Wildlife
Follow us @hallsgapzoo
Me: Enjoying my pumpkin in peace
Also me: Remembers I left the stove on 🎃🐒
📸 Keeper Darci
#emperortamarin #monkey #primate #hallsgapzoo #grampians #Victoria #Melbourne
🌍 National Threatened Species Day🌍
Today, we shine a spotlight on the Spotted-tail Quoll, also known as the Tiger Quoll- one of Australia’s most remarkable yet vulnerable native species. Here at Halls Gap Zoo, we’re committed to protecting and preserving these incredible animals. Over the past three breeding seasons, we’ve successfully bred 19 healthy quoll joeys, contributing to the survival of this amazing species.
These fierce little predators play a crucial role in their ecosystems, but they face many threats in the wild. By breeding and caring for them, we’re helping to secure their future.
#NationalThreatenedSpeciesDay #TigerQuoll #Conservation #HallsGapZoo #visitvictoria #melbourne
King Jamala surveying his land 👑
Meet Jamala and his brother Duma by booking in an up-close encounter https://hallsgapzoo.com.au/shop/cheetah-encounter/
#cheetah #bigcat #grampians #victoria #visitmelbourne #hallsgapzoo
When you get caught being weird, and try to play it off.
📸 Keeper Kane
#elk #hallsgapzoo #Victoria #Melbourne #grampians #hoofstock
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
You guessed it! Serval kittens are coming soon!! 🤗😺
We need your help to name our kittens, 1 female and 2 males. Our team has chosen a few names in 3 different themes. To pick the theme you`d like, head to our Facebook page to REACT to our naming post.
*We placed collars on the kittens for naming purposes so you can see what name goes with which kitten.*
Voting closes 8am Monday 9th.
Stay tuned to our social media to see how you can meet the bundles of cuteness in person 🫣
When it comes to being a father, there’s no one better than emus!
Emu males are devoted fathers: the males alone incubate the eggs, after they are laid by the female. The newly hatched chicks are able to walk shortly after birth and will follow their dad for about 6 months until they are big enough to fend for themselves.
If you’re still looking for a Fathers Day gift for this Sunday, check out our animal experiences on our brand new website! https://hallsgapzoo.com.au or come visit our three emu chicks before they get too big! 🥰
#hallsgapzoo #grampians #emu #fathersday #zoo #victoria #visitmelbourne #bird
Boo the Boobook Owl 🦉
The Southern Boobook is the smallest and most common owl in Australia. Southern Boobooks are found throughout mainland Australia and Tasmania and on some coastal islands.
#boobookowl #owl #birdofprey #raptor #grampians #Melbourne
In the interest of public safety, the zoo will be closed today (Wednesday 28th August). As the wind is supposed to increase during the day, we have made the decision for our guests, animals and our staff.
Hoping to see everyone tomorrow!
If you had an animal encounter booked for today, we will be in contact to reschedule.
The weather is warming up, which means our reptiles are becoming more active.
Our lace monitor has taken advantage of the sun being out ☀️
📸 Keeper Tash.
#lacemonitor #lizard #reptile #hallsgapzoo #grampians #victoria
Bean the wombat thought he`d take re-mulching into his own paws.
📸 Keeper Paris
#commonwombat #barenosedwombat #wombat #hallsgapzoo #Victoria
Great hair, perfect lighting.
Pumba is ready for his modelling debut 🌟🙌
📸 Keeper Carmen
#highlandcow #scottishhighlandcattle #hallsgapzoo
Game time!
How many wallabies can you see in this photo?
📸 Supervisor Mila
#brushtailedrockwallaby #marsupial #hallsgapzoo
A Disney movie, or just another day at Halls Gap Zoo?
📸 Keeper Marcus
#greentreefrog #boydsforestdragon #reptile #hallsgapzoo #lizard #grampians #melbourne
