Reptile Zoo — Attraction in Monroe

If I were between 5 and 10 years old, this would have been the coolest place ever! However, since I'm a grown adult and have owned reptiles for over 20 years, this place is more akin to a roadside freak show than a zoo. While there is information on the animals and you do see quite a variety, there is a lot to be desired. The staff is friendly and more than willing to answer questions. They have a modest gift shop with some things for small children. Around the zoo, they had televisions playing various documentaries. However, when we were there the documentaries were not actually playing, it was just the menu to the documentary. The building was also in pretty poor condition. As other reviewers have said, there's duct tape holding up portions of the building and parts of the animal enclosures. There appears to be black mold in several areas. The siding on the building is rotting off and something inside the building was bothering the eyes of my wife. (She said that she kept smelling bleach and that her eyes started burning.)

The really sad part was the condition of the animals and their enclosures. I'm not sure if they leave the shed of the animal inside the enclosure for the audience to see or if they just haven't cleaned the enclosures in a while but almost every animal had some form of shed laying in the enclosure with it or still stuck to its body. Most reptile keepers will tell you that an incomplete shed means there's a problem with the humidity of your enclosure and many of the reptiles in this facility had this problem. We also noticed a few of the enclosures had no visible heat source. While I can't confirm if a heat pad existed in the enclosure, they definitely did not have a basking spot or a ceramic heat emitter. However, the most egregious thing is the condition of the animal enclosures themselves, having seen multiple enclosures that were filled with feces and urates. If you spot clean, these take no time at all to clean up, especially in an enclosure of a non-venomous animal. Also, some of the enclosures are far too small for the animals that they're housing. Some of the larger animals clearly need far more room than they're getting. Hell, even the care cards posted on the enclosures are specifying conditions that are not being met for the animal in that enclosure. For instance, the iguana had no place to swim... Actually a lot of animals had no place to swim or soak. (Something that would definitely help with the stuck shed.)

I really hate to come down on this place like this because the staff was pretty nice and I'm sure that they don't make a whole lot of money being a roadside attraction. But maybe if they cut down on the number of animals they have (do you need 3 Burmese pythons and 3 Reticulated pythons?... 1 is hard enough to care for) and worked on proper enclosure care, maintenance and size for some of the more exotic species they have, they'd attract...

I recently had the pleasure of visiting the Reptile Zoo in Monroe with my family, and I must say, it was an experience that exceeded our expectations on multiple levels. From the moment we stepped through the doors, we were greeted with an atmosphere of learning and adventure.

One of the highlights of our visit was the extensive educational aspect of the zoo. The staff's passion for reptiles was evident as they eagerly shared their knowledge with us. From the tiniest geckos to the largest pythons, we were given fascinating insights into the lives and behaviors of these incredible creatures. It was not just a tour but an immersive learning experience that left us feeling enlightened and inspired.

What truly sets this establishment apart is their dedication to education beyond the confines of their facility. We had the privilege of witnessing their outreach program firsthand when they visited my children's school. The interactive presentation captivated both students and teachers alike, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for reptiles. It's evident that the Reptile Zoo is committed to spreading awareness and dispelling myths about these often misunderstood animals.

Furthermore, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the Reptile Zoo is not only welcoming to humans but also to our furry companions. Their thoughtfully designed play area for dogs ensured that our four-legged friends were just as comfortable and entertained as we were. This level of consideration for all visitors, regardless of species, speaks volumes about the zoo's commitment to inclusivity and enjoyment for all.

In conclusion, our visit to the Reptile Zoo in Monroe was nothing short of exceptional. From the wealth of knowledge imparted to us to the thoughtful amenities provided, every aspect of our experience was meticulously crafted to ensure both enjoyment and enrichment. Whether you're a seasoned reptile enthusiast or simply curious about these fascinating creatures, I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to the Reptile Zoo. You'll leave not only entertained but also with a newfound appreciation for the diverse world...

I am shocked at how this facility has got a 4.7 star rating and it is worrying people come here and think that it is good- this is the worst reptile collection I have ever seen- do not give them your money. I have been working as a zookeeper in the UK for the last decade and I have a strong interest in herps (I am currently an amphibian biologist) so I am more than qualified to give an opinion based on animal welfare. I have not been to a road side zoo in the states before and out of curiosity I foolishly decided to give them my money. I did not see a single enclosure that was correctly set up. These animals are kept in far too small tanks, none are provided with proper UV- not a single linear UV tube to be seen. They are basically all kept on aspen which is a totally inappropriate substrate for the species being kept- how exactly are you maintaining humidity? Water bowls were empty, dirty, water areas for the turtles were a half empty dirty bucket of water with no filtration. The tortoise area was not manned so people were letting their kids climb all over them. Snake shed was in almost all of the enclosures so they are clearly not being cleaned- I refuse to believe all of your snakes shed at the exact same time. Most exhibits had no hides which is why public can see everything to the detriment of the animals wellbeing. I’d love to hear how you justify keeping animals like this, it is absolutely disgusting. I can provide you with up to date husbandry guidelines and advice on how to care for your animals. It is inexplicable to me that this place is allowed to operate as in the UK it would immediately be shut down. Do not give them your money, these animals should be rehomed. If I could give 0...