The Australian Reptile Park has undertaken one of its most dangerous procedures to date, performing a high-risk mouth swab on one of the world’s most venomous snakes, the extraordinarily rare Rhinoceros Viper. The operation marked a critical milestone for two newly arrived reptiles and came with genuine life-or-death consequences for the keeper involved.
The swab was carried out following the arrival of a male and female Rhinoceros Viper, the only two individuals currently held in Australia. As part of strict biosecurity measures, the procedure was essential to ensure the snakes were not carrying any bacteria or disease that could threaten the Park’s extensive reptile collection.
Park Manager Billy Collett conducted the procedure, fully aware of the risks. “This was without question one of the most nerve-wracking procedures I’ve ever performed,” Collett said. “Rhinoceros vipers have enormous fangs, extremely potent venom and a very defensive temperament. To get that swab, I had to physically restrain the snake and work dangerously close to those fangs. One wrong move could have had catastrophic consequences, but it’s an essential step to protect every other reptile that calls the Park home.”
Unlike routine health checks, a mouth swab on a venomous snake requires direct restraint and precision, with no room for hesitation. The danger was intensified by the extreme toxicity of Rhinoceros Viper venom, which can cause severe tissue damage, internal bleeding, organ failure and death if left untreated.
Compounding the risk is the fact that Australia holds only a limited supply of Rhinoceros Viper antivenom, with enough on hand to treat just one bite. With no recorded Rhinoceros Viper envenomations in Australia, the stakes could not have been higher.
Before arriving at the Reptile Park, the Rhinoceros Vipers completed a three-month quarantine period at a specialised facility alongside other exotic species, including veiled chameleons, eyelash vipers and a banded rock rattlesnake. Additional testing continued upon arrival, with the mouth swab representing the final and most critical clearance step.
Thankfully, the result was clean, officially allowing the Rhinoceros Vipers to join the Australian Reptile Park’s reptile collection. The snakes are now on display in the Lost World of Reptiles Exotic Exhibit, giving visitors a rare opportunity to see one of the most visually striking and dangerous snakes on the planet up close.
Despite the danger involved, Collett says the moment was worth it. “Rhinoceros vipers are one of my favourite snakes. We haven’t had them here in 20 years, so bringing them back, and doing it safely, is incredibly special,” he said. “They’re intimidating, beautiful and completely unforgettable.”
Native to the rainforests of Central and West Africa, Rhinoceros Vipers (Bitis nasicornis) are instantly recognisable by the horn-like scales on their nose, bold geometric patterns and vivid colours that provide exceptional camouflage. Heavy-bodied and powerful, they are ambush predators equipped with long fangs and highly toxic venom, making them one of Africa’s most dangerous vipers.
With the successful completion of this high-risk procedure, the Australian Reptile Park has once again demonstrated the expertise, precision and courage required to care for some of the world’s most dangerous animals, ensuring the safety of both the collection and the people who work with them every day.