5 Advantages of Visiting Reptiland this Winter

Come on in, it’s always warm here!

Escape the cold in our indoor Exhibit Gallery, where you can see nearly 40 species of reptiles and amphibians under one roof! You might feel like you’re in the great outdoors with our naturalistic habitats, but you’ll be enjoying them all at room temperature.

If you do feel a chill walking from building to building, just head to Island Giants; you’ll warm up as soon as you get inside. Komodo dragons require extreme heat—like 90+ degrees—so the entire building is incredibly warm. You can also catch a live show here that will feel like a casual conversation with one of our zoo keepers (and the tropical temps will keep your tootsies toasty)!

Things tend to slow down around here during winter, but that just means we’re able to spend more time with you and your family one-on-one!

Unfortunately during warmer months it’s too busy and crowded for animal feedings, but in the winter, we offer them after every show! So when you’re done warming up with the Komodos, head to the Exhibit Gallery to witness an animal feeding. Since the animals that are fed change with every show, you can watch a different species eat at each visit. (One of the many reasons it pays to be a zoo member!)

And don’t forget to catch an Animal Encounter! At 11:30, 1:00, and 2:30 you’ll get the chance to see animals up-close and ask our experts questions—something only offered in the off-season. #winterexclusive

Because there is a little less to see November-April, we take $2 off our regular admission rates. With the lowered rates and more personal attention, you’re actually getting more of an experience for less money!

That’s right, parakeets! While we initially thought we would have to close this exhibit during the winter, we found that parakeets are extremely weather hardy…so that means you can still experience Parakeet Landing when you visit this winter!*

The birds have a heated night house they can fly in and out of, but the actual exhibit space is not heated. Because it gets a little chilly through the colder months, we open this exhibit during select times throughout the day in conjunction with our live shows. That way EVERY guest can spend time with our feathered friends, regardless of the season! (Just be sure to wear a warm jacket . . . )

If you’ve ever visited on a weekend in July, you know that it can get pretty crazy around here . . . While we are always happy to have a “full house,” we know that it can be frustrating for our guests, especially in smaller, more crowded areas of the zoo.

The good news?  In the winter, it’s much quieter and more peaceful! There’s no need to hurry so the people behind you can see; there’s no line formed by the restrooms; no hold-ups at the admissions desk; and most importantly, no waiting to see your favorite animal in the gallery! You’re able to take your time enjoying each and every part of the zoo . . . and we hope that you do!