ZooCalifornia, US

The Reptile Zoo

Discover The Reptile Zoo, a captivating world of reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids in Fountain Valley, California.

About

Discover The Reptile Zoo, a captivating world of reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids in Fountain Valley, California. This unique indoor facility, part of Prehistoric Pets, invites visitors to explore a diverse collection of over 100 exotic species from across the globe. Far from a typical zoo, it prides itself on interactive displays and educational presentations designed to foster appreciation and understanding for these often-misunderstood animals. Visitors can look forward to getting up close and personal with a fascinating array of inhabitants. Imagine holding a friendly Ball Python, gently touching a Sulcata Tortoise, or witnessing a powerful American Alligator like Darth Gator during a feeding demonstration. Keep an eye out for famous residents such as Twinkie, a Reticulated Python claimed to be the largest in captivity, or Frank, an Asian Water Monitor known for posing for selfies. A large pond teeming with snapping turtles and vibrant fish also provides a captivating aquatic display. The Reptile Zoo goes beyond mere observation, offering a truly hands-on educational adventure. Through supervised animal encounters and informative talks, guests learn about the unique stories, behaviors, and care requirements of each creature. Whether you're a seasoned reptile enthusiast or a curious newcomer, the interactive environment makes for an engaging and memorable visit for all ages, creating an educational entertainment facility unlike any other. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.

The Reptile Zoo's story began over three decades ago when founder Jay Brewer and his wife Becky opened "Pet Country" in 1988, a pet store in Fountain Valley selling both traditional and exotic animals. As their focus increasingly shifted towards exotic reptiles and education, Pet Country evolved into Prehistoric Pets in 1992. Further expanding their educational outreach, the "Jurassic Parties" program was created in 1995, offering interactive events to promote understanding and respect for reptiles. Driven by a vision to create a permanent, zoo-like experience, Jay Brewer established The Reptile Zoo on July 10, 2009. The facility, which shares space with the Prehistoric Pets store, has since grown to 13,000 square feet through expansions in 2000 and 2018. The zoo is now a family-run operation, with Brewer and his daughters actively involved, and has gained significant national and social media attention, even inspiring a reality series titled "Reptile Royalty".

What to do here

Observe a wide variety of over 100 species of reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids. Engage in hands-on animal encounters under staff supervision. Attend scheduled feeding demonstrations to see the animals in action. Learn fascinating facts about each creature from knowledgeable educators.

Seasonal info

As an indoor attraction, seasonal weather has minimal impact. The zoo is closed on Easter Sunday, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Accessibility

The Reptile Zoo is wheelchair accessible, welcoming all guests to explore its exhibits.

Don't miss

Twinkie, the massive Reticulated Python

the majestic Galapagos Tortoises

the lively American Alligators, including Darth Gator

The interactive presentations where staff bring out animals like Ball Pythons and Sulcata Tortoises for guests to meet

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Galapagos Tortoise

African Spurred Tortoise

Sage

Corn

Sydney Funnel Web Spider

Fairy Ring Champignon

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Check the schedule for live presentations: To make the most of your visit, inquire about or check the schedule for interactive presentations and feeding times upon arrival. These often involve animal handling and are very engaging.

Engage with the staff

The zoo's educators are passionate and knowledgeable; don't hesitate to ask them questions about the animals to gain deeper insights.

Don't be fooled by the exterior

The zoo is located in a strip mall, but once inside, you'll discover a surprisingly vast and diverse collection of animals.

Bring your camera

With so many unique and photogenic creatures, you'll want to capture the memories, especially during interactive encounters.

Utilize free parking

There is ample free parking available in the strip mall lot where the zoo is located.

Consider private experiences

For a more in-depth and personalized encounter, look into their private social media animal experiences, which offer dedicated time with specific animals.

Frequently asked questions

: The Reptile Zoo houses over 100 species of exotic reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids from around the world. This includes a wide variety of snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, alligators, monitors, and tarantulas.
: Yes, The Reptile Zoo is fully wheelchair accessible, ensuring that all guests can enjoy and explore the facility comfortably.
: Absolutely! The Reptile Zoo offers unique interactive experiences, including presentations where guests can hold certain friendly animals like Ball Pythons and Sulcata Tortoises under the guidance of trained staff. They also have feeding demonstrations for larger animals.