Two diamond pythons and a carpet snake worth $2000 were stolen from the Birdland Animal Park in Batemans Bay on Monday night in what rangers believe to be a targeted attack by animal traders.
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Birdland Animal Park ranger Samantha Rattray said this latest theft came after 50 rare birds were stolen in September and six snakes were stolen from the park in May 2013.
Ms Rattray said the snakes, aged 18-months, eight years and 14 years, were not dangerous and posed little threat to the thieves, who knew their location within the park.
Thieves reportedly jumped the fence into the animal park and cut a hole in the snake's enclosure.
Ms Rattray said there was a lot of money in rare birds and snakes and suspected those who have stolen from the park in recent months may be involved in animal trading.
"They knew what they were going for, as when they stole the birds back in September they targeted specific aviaries," she said.
"Those birds alone were probably worth more than $6000."
The birds stolen included a hand-raised 30-year-old alexandrine, two male and one female eclectus parrots, as well as regents, lorikeets, quails, ringnecks and cockatiels.
Birdland head ranger Karen Best said the robbery was about much more than money and staff and the local community were still in shock.
"It's the emotional and traumatic value to both the humans and the animals," she said.
"You cannot put a price it."
The snakes were a part of the park's interactive and educational displays which taught children about the different idiosyncrasies of snakes.
"They establish a respect for them and know that they are not to go near any poisonous snakes," said Ms Best.
Staff at the park fear the snakes may not survive without experienced carers and have called for their return.
"It's not an inanimate object they are stealing," said Ms Best. "It's a live animal and it really needs to be cared for."
When the snakes were stolen last year, a public campaign from local residents resulted in all but two of the snakes being returned to the park.
Ms Rattray said the recent thefts had saddened staff at the park who were now forced to hand raise birds robbed of their mothers.
"It has a major impact because this time in spring a lot of the females are sitting on eggs, or they've got little babies. They're now gone," she said.
"That's the next generation gone as well.
"Obviously the little babies aren't going to be fed anymore as mum and dad are gone."
Senior Constable David Bates said this incident was still being investigated and appealed for anyone with information to come forward or phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
