In celebration of National Science Week, the Australian Reptile Park has embraced its inner mad scientist, performing a jaw-dropping experiment that is equal parts fascinating and frightening.
To demonstrate the deadly power of tiger snake venom, the Park teamed up with a medical professional for a bold on-site experiment. Blood was drawn from one of the Park’s keepers and placed into a vial containing raw tiger snake venom. Within seconds, the blood began to thicken. Just minutes later, it had transformed completely, coagulating into a dense, solid clump that could be tipped from one vial to another without breaking apart.
Park Manager Billy Collett said “It was wild how quick it happened. It’s a scary thing—this is what happens in your bloodstream when you’re bitten by a tiger snake without proper first aid. It’s also how tiger snakes kill their prey.”
This powerful visual demonstration drives home just how quickly venom can kill without immediate treatment. Tiger snake venom first travels through the lymphatic system, but without the swift application of a pressure bandage, it rapidly enters the bloodstream. Once there, it triggers massive haemorrhaging, dangerous blood clotting, and can ultimately cause heart failure if left untreated.
Billy added “This experiment really shows just how important first aid is. If you’re ever bitten, remove any jewellery, apply a pressure bandage starting at the bite site and wrap it up the entire limb. Stay as still as possible and call 000 immediately.” Learn more here.
Tiger snakes are ranked among Australia’s most dangerous reptiles. Their venom, a potent mix of neurotoxins, coagulants, and mycotoxins, can cause paralysis, internal bleeding, organ failure, and death in under an hour without treatment. Despite their deadly capabilities, tiger snakes are naturally shy and will generally only bite when threatened. Still, every bite should be treated as a life-threatening medical emergency.
The Australian Reptile Park plays a vital role in protecting the public from snakebite fatalities. It remains the only facility in Australia that milks tiger snakes for the production of life-saving antivenom. The Park houses over 250 of the world’s most venomous snakes, each milked fortnightly as part of Australia’s only terrestrial snake antivenom program.
The venom experiment is just one of the exciting highlights taking place for National Science Week from 9–17 August at the Australian Reptile Park. Visitors can enjoy science-themed reptile shows, interactive hands-on animal encounters, and a special scavenger hunt designed to spark curiosity in budding scientists of all ages.