Exceptional! Do not miss! As someone who has been a reptile hobbyist since pre-teens, and spent a ludicrous amount of money to study reptiles (specifically locally threatened snakes), I was able to really engage with the staff about a lot of the finer details of the animals in their care. My mother, who visited the park with me, and has zero knowledge of reptiles other than what she may have accidentally absorbed through contact with me, was equally able to be curious and ask questions- and both of us were able to find responses that met our VERY differing levels of knowledge and engagement.
The staff knows their Sh-stuff. And every last one of them, at least that I spoke to, really REALLY cares about what they're doing. The property didn't waste time or money on flashy nonsense- the priority was obviously the care of the animals, and making sure that guests felt welcome and able to ask questions.
The park was wonderfully easy to navigate, especially with staff at every turn to ask just in case I wasn't sure, or I wanted to revisit a section I'd already seen, and the tree-line around the property gave it a sense of insular privacy that a lot of zoos/theme parks/road side attractions/whatever just don't have.
All in all, as much as I saw most of what there was to be seen when I visited, I absolutely am going to find myself there again. There were a few animals who needed their privacy for health or other reasons, and ... just.. D*mn if I don't want to see the intelligence behind that cobra's eyes again. Awe in the old sense of the word; in the way that standing at the precipice of the grand canyon fills you with a fearful appreciation of real grandeur.
I will absolutely be back again, and again, and again. The fact that they make hats of my favorite style, with my very favorite snake on them, ... well that doesn't...
   Read moreI havenât been able to visit the zoo. And I live in Western Kentucky. However Iâve watched the videos out of this facility for years. I click on every single snake identification that they help with that people from Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio. Folks will send or post a photo of a snake they need identification on. The things Iâve learned is awesome! Jim, Kristen and their staff are most professional and they are kind. They are doing the whole world a service by collecting venom from many species of venomous snakes and other creatures. Venom is used in medications that could at this very moment be be saving the life of you or a family member. More is learned everyday about venom.
They have taken a lot of nasty guff from some because they wouldnât help a young man who carelessly free handled one of the most deadly snakes in the world. Pure irresponsibility on the bite victimâs part.
Some facilities did send venom. Jim and Kristen have themselves and a staff to look after. They need their antivenin for themselves. They handle snakes professionally with the right protocols. They could still be bitten at any time. I applaud them for keeping themselves and their staff safe first. If the young man had been following venomous protocol and his bite was purely accidental Iâm sure the would help.
I wish KENTUCKY REPTILE ZOO nothing...
   Read moreThe Kentucky Reptile Zoo is definitely a fun activity for animal and reptile lovers and it is clear that their animals are well cared for. When visiting, we had the opportunity to see many unique and very cool scaly friends. As their name would imply, their entire focus is on reptiles, so if you or your family are not a fan of snakes, or other creatures that slither, this is not the place for you.
With that, I do feel the cost vs value of the experience was not proportional. My family and I spent shy of an hour at the zoo, total between all exhibits, and spent $20 for entry only for two adults. A majority of the zoo is outdoors, and some of the interior parts were crowded and otherwise outdated or utilitarian. I imagine that caring for these creatures, and staff, is likely at a high cost and therefore necessitates a high entry cost, but this is something to consider when planning your own visit.
Otherwise, the gift shop, while small, had quality items! The two staff members we interacted with were very polite, kind, and clearly shared a passion for the animals. Also, parking was free and very close to the entry. All of the outdoor parts of the zoo were well shaded, maintained, and had a few benches for resting. This is a great activity for the...
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