Welcome to the ZOOBASE website. This site was established in June 2004 following a meeting of representatives of several Australian institutions, concerned with the risks posed by captive exotic venomous animals.

AIM
The ZOOBASE website aims to provide a common communication and data repository for Zoos and other institutions keeping venomous & poisonous fauna. It has been established by Australian zoos and institutions. It is possible that in the future zoos from other countries may become participants.

THE INSTITUTIONS
A variety of public access zoos and private institutions maintain collections of venomous and/or poisonous fauna, both Australian native and exotic species. Exotic species generate special challenges in terms of risk and appropriate medical treatment. It is these exotic species that form the initial basis for this site.

THE DATABASES
Relational databases have been developed to record and track relevant information on participating institutions, the venomous animals they keep, the medical risks these animals pose, treatment options and available antivenoms. The purpose of this data system is to allow ready accessibility to information, between institutions, both to establish risk and to inform best-practice response, should accidents occur.

ABOUT EXOTIC VENOMOUS SNAKES
As this site develops, a list of links to other sites of interest will be developed to assist site users.

MEETINGS OF ZOO PERSONELL TO DISCUSS ENVENOMING RISKS
Zoo keepers and other interested professionals, including clinical toxinologists, hold formal meetings on an irregular basis to discuss issues surrounding keeping venomous fauna, risk management and related matters. Details of scheduled meetings are provided here.

LINKS TO OTHER SITES
As this site develops, a list of links to other sites of interest will be developed to assist site users.

SITE DEVELOPER
Toxinology Department, Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Adelaide, Australia
www.toxinology.com

DISCLAIMER
The information provided on this site is provided in good faith, but neither the site coordinators, nor the participating institutions make any warranty in regard to accuracy or applicability of the information. Any person or institution using the information must do so at their own risk and on the condition that they cannot and will not hold any person or institution associated with this site liable for any harm resulting from use of this information.