Originally I found out about this place from the monthly Smithsonian Magazine free museum day.
We showed up on the free day September 18th and found an outside exhibit underneath the shade of their building. During this day we learned about each animal from their handler. Some you could pet, others you could hold. The one rather large Tegu lizard I held really seemed to just soak up the attention. After that experience I was hooked.
What’s really special about this place is how they acquire their animals. They are a rescue sanctuary for reptiles, amphibians and arthropods.
We booked a 2 hour private tour recently and I’ll have to say it was hard to leave the animals! Especially the aptly named Galapagos tortoise, Special Ed. She is a sweetheart and immediately decided my daughter was her person and followed her around. My daughter just giggled the whole time, priceless.
Donny was our tour guide and also the site Manager. He is very well informed about all the reptiles, amphibians & arthropods. He has an interesting story for each one. It’s easy to see how much the animals love him. Now that I think about it he’s a bit like Doctor Doolittle.
I’m sure we will be back for more animal encounters! But be forewarned, you’ll probably want to leave with at least one or two animals.
Cool photos of the reptiles!
Thanks! It was a fun afternoon!
I’d want the bearded dragon for myself lol.
I know right? Think I’d want the Tegu lizard.