Phone: (570) 538-1869
2010’s
- 2010 – Chad Peeling contributed to the book Cane Toads and Other Rogue Species. The Natural Selections Gift Shop was expanded and updated to a new, modern look.
- 2011 – The phenomenally successful exhibit Dinosaurs Come to Life roared into Reptiland. Construction began on a new building designed expressly to house Komodo dragons.
- 2012 – With the continued success of Dinosaurs Come to Life, we purchased six static dinosaurs to remain on the grounds year-round. Construction continued on Island Giants, the future home of two Komodo dragons. Reptiland’s entrance building started undergoing its first face lift in over 25 years!
- 2013 – The much anticipated and long-awaited Island Giants exhibit opened to the public on June 14. This exhibit houses our male and female Komodo dragons in a state-of-the-art naturalistic habitat and green building complete with living roof. Reptiland donated more than $100,000 worth of goods and services to local organizations, continuing to support the Susquehanna Valley and surrounding areas.
- 2014 – Reptiland turned 50! With three kid-friendly events and Reptiland’s first adult-only bash, it was the summer of celebrations at the zoo. The Summer Celebration Series consisted of themed events: Dino Day, Buggin’ Out, and Reptiland Safari. Kids enjoyed fun activities, face-painting, giveaways, and more. Cheers to 50 Years let adults come and raise a glass to Reptiland with free samples from local wineries and breweries, live music, and quality time at the zoo. Clyde Peeling also published his book, Reptiland: How a Boyhood Dream became a Modern Zoo.
- 2015 – Introduced new live shows Lizards & Snakes Alive and The Ruling Reptiles. Hosted Ghost of the Bayou, a limited-time exhibit featuring the rare white alligator. Welcomed Dr. Dino (Chris DeLorey) for our Dino Days weekend in June. Partnered with Wine and Design Williamsport and Genetti Hotel & Suites to host a fundraiser for amphibians; all proceeds were donated to the Amphibian Taxon Advisory Group’s grant program. Our popular fall event, Flashlight Safari, returned for the first time in three years, and we launched our Adopt-an-Animal program just in time for the holiday season.
- 2016 – Another successful and event-filled year at the zoo! The butterfly greenhouse was converted into a walk-through aviary called Parakeet Landing. This proved a positive change as guests loved interacting with and feeding the 300 budgies in the exhibit. We also hosted three major events, including Croctoberfest, an adult-only fundraiser for crocodilian conservation. This event was generously sponsored by the Genetti Hotel & Suites, included beer tastings from 6 local breweries, live music on Komodo Plaza, a souvenir mini beer mug, and more. Just before the year came to a close, Reptiland Originals, a collection of animal art and prints, debuted in the gift shop.
- 2017 – Our outdoor dinosaur exhibit now features a Fossil Dig educational play area! Hidden beneath the sand is the cast of a dinosaur skeleton. Using the guide posted on the back wall, you can unearth and identify different parts of the dinosaur. The Fossil Dig was a hit during our annual Dino Days event in the summer. Later in the year, we held our 2nd annual Croctoberfest, which raised additional funds for crocodilian conservation. Around Halloween, visitors joined us after hours for our Flashlight Safari. Since many of our animals are more active in the dark, the Flashlight Safari offers a glimpse of what they do when nobody is watching. A new public path was created by moving the perimeter fence at the south end of the property west, and we also added an entry roof over the north end of reptile house.
- 2018 – The Reptiland team spent much of the early part of the year preparing for its once-every-five-year accreditation inspection. Professionals from other accredited zoos as well as a zoo veterinarian examined all aspects of our facility. These inspections are always stressful, but we feel we are a better zoo because of them. Every facet is scrutinized—animal husbandry, record keeping, veterinary care, finances, esthetics, visitor services, etc. And although Chad Peeling had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in 2016, he, his brother Elliot, and Clyde traveled to Seattle to meet with the committee to receive accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
- 2019 – This was a devastating year. After a three-year struggle, Chad Peeling passed away in September. Chad was an integral part in making Reptiland a modern zoological park, and the void he left, both personally and professionally, can never be filled. Fortunately, Chad and his wife, Chris, were able to visit Botswana and Rwanda, where he visited the mountain gorillas, before his death. Zoo operations are now managed by Clyde and Elliot.Despite the year’s immense loss, we hosted Winos & Dinos, a new adult-only event, in August. We welcomed local wineries, food trucks, and amazing live music to entertain guests throughout the Dinosaurs Come to Life exhibit. It was a great evening, and we hope to make this event an annual one.
Reptiland
