Abandoned, trafficked, smuggled and surrendered. These reptiles have experienced some horrific trauma, but a unique program is helping to rehabilitate the cold-blooded creatures in an unexpected way.
In the Francis Greenway Correctional Complex in Berkshire Park, western Sydney, sits the Wildlife Care Centre – a building featuring a reptile facility that is home to up to 70 reptiles. There are geckos, skinks, blue-tongue lizards, freshwater turtles and pythons, all of which require plenty of care and attention.
That’s where the inmates come in.
Abandoned reptiles are being taken care of by inmates at a western Sydney prison.Credit: Corrective Services NSW
Under the program, reptiles seized by law enforcement agencies, members of the public or other wildlife organisations are taken to WIRES for assessment. If appropriate, they are then moved to the reptile facility to be cared for by trained Corrective Services NSW staff and selected inmates, before being rehomed to licensed reptile keepers.
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For Michael, one of the inmates involved in the program who is unable to share his last name due to NSW Corrections policy, working with the reptiles as a caretaker was too good an opportunity to pass up.
“I was even talking about doing voluntary work to do with reptiles as well on the outside,” he said. “It does make you a bit more humble and caring, working with animals.”
The reptile facility originally opened in the 1990s before closing in 2021 for refurbishment. Reopening in December 2024, the space now features 89 enclosures, including 67 reptile cages, eight turtle enclosures, an extra-large reptile aviary and 13 quarantine enclosures.
WIRES wildlife rehabilitation centre manager Logan Davidson said he’s witnessed firsthand the great work the inmates do to help rehabilitate the reptiles. He points to a recent example of a pet Mertens’ water monitor found in a backyard with a fractured tail, broken ribs and puncture wounds after being attacked by two dogs.
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