Taronga Talks

Rebound from Extinction with Michael McFadden

Hayden Turner Season 1 Episode 5

 Though scaly and scary to some, Michael McFadden has always loved reptiles. His Honours degree first led him to Taronga Zoo, where he seized an opportunity to work in the Reptile House. Now Unit Supervisor for Herpetofauna, Michael is living out his childhood dream of not only working with reptiles and amphibians – but saving many critically endangered species from extinction. From breeding and releasing the tiny Southern Corroboree Frog back into Kosciuszko National Park, to conducting field research of the mighty Komodo Dragon in Indonesia, Michael shares his passion for the ‘unsung heroes’ of the animal world.   
"I certainly wouldn’t say Taronga is ‘just a job’ – I’d say it’s anything but that. It’s one of those things that’s a lifestyle, it’s a family and it’s also your passion… You’re working with so many like-minded and passionate people towards the same goal of protecting threatened species."