Exhibits
Argentine Black and White Tegu
​The Scaled Powerhouse of the Tropics
With a stocky build, intelligent eyes, and a tongue that flicks like a dragon’s, our tegu is one of the most captivating residents at the zoo. Native to South America, tegus are powerful lizards known for their surprising strength and curious personalities. They're also full of surprises, including the fact that they can recognize their keepers, solve simple puzzles, and even exhibit seasonal shifts in activity much like mammals.
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But don’t let their calm demeanor fool you, tegus pack a serious bite! With a jaw force strong enough to rival a German Shepherd's, they’re capable of cracking bones and even small prey with ease. Combine that with their impressive intelligence and bold attitude, and you’ve got one of the most fascinating reptiles on display.
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Want to find out how these brainiacs thrive in the wild, what they eat, and how they interact with humans? Tap below and dive deep into the world of tegus.
Burmese Python
Silent. Strong. Supreme.
One of the largest snakes on Earth, the Burmese python is a muscular marvel that can reach lengths over 18 feet! Despite their massive size and fearsome reputation, these gentle giants are surprisingly shy and spend much of their lives hidden among thick vegetation or in shallow water, waiting patiently to ambush prey. Their beautifully patterned scales help them blend seamlessly into their surroundings, making them both elusive and mesmerizing.
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Burmese pythons are known for their incredible strength, able to take down animals much larger than themselves without using venom. Instead, they use their powerful coils to stop the heart of their prey in a matter of seconds.
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Want to know how these snakes swallow prey bigger than their heads, or why they’re a major concern in parts of the U.S.?
Green Iguana
The Royal Crested Leaf-Loving Lizards
With its spiky crown, long tail, and brilliant green scales, the green iguana looks like a mini dinosaur lounging in the treetops! But don’t worry—this laid-back lizard would rather munch on leaves than chase anyone around. Native to tropical forests of Central and South America, green iguanas spend most of their time in trees, basking in the sun and soaking up the heat like cold-blooded royalty.
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Green iguanas are expert climbers, fantastic swimmers, and surprisingly picky eaters—they’re strictly plant-based! With their expressive faces, slow-motion movements, and leafy lunches, they’ve become a favorite in zoos and homes around the world. Want to know how iguanas use their tails, what that funny flap of skin under their chin does, or how long they can hold their breath underwater? Tap into their world and explore more on their full profile!
Red-Foot Tortoise
Slow and steady with a splash of color!
Meet the red-footed tortoise! A tropical traveler with bright, bold splashes of red and orange on its legs and face! These gentle reptiles may not win any races, but they’re experts in munching fruit, lounging under leaves, and exploring their world one careful step at a time. Native to the forests and grasslands of South America, they use their strong sense of smell to sniff out their favorite snacks.
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Don’t let their slow pace fool you; these tortoises have curious personalities and a surprising memory. Watch as they move through their habitat, interact with enrichment toys, or nap in the shade. Whether you're big or small, the red-footed tortoise is a calm and colorful reminder that sometimes, it’s cool to take things slow.
Red-Foot Tortoise
Slow and steady with a splash of color!
Meet the red-footed tortoise! A tropical traveler with bright, bold splashes of red and orange on its legs and face! These gentle reptiles may not win any races, but they’re experts in munching fruit, lounging under leaves, and exploring their world one careful step at a time. Native to the forests and grasslands of South America, they use their strong sense of smell to sniff out their favorite snacks.
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Don’t let their slow pace fool you; these tortoises have curious personalities and a surprising memory. Watch as they move through their habitat, interact with enrichment toys, or nap in the shade. Whether you're big or small, the red-footed tortoise is a calm and colorful reminder that sometimes, it’s cool to take things slow.
Common Boa
Queen of Coils with a red tail and a big heart!
Meet Beyoncé, our rescued red-tailed boa and proud reptile diva. She’s about 6 feet long, 25 pounds, and loves to explore with gentle, breathy hisses—her way of saying “I’m curious!” True to her superstar name, Beyoncé prefers private dinners (she eats when no one’s watching) and once even tested a few of our early enclosures… so we built her a fortress fit for a queen.
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Watch for her ruby-tinted tail, slow snakey “S” moves, and that flicking tongue that helps her “smell” the world. Boas don’t use venom—they give a quick squeeze to their food—so Beyoncé saves her hugs for enrichment time and calm hangouts with keepers.
Sudan Plated Lizard
Built-in Armor, Big-Time Attitude!
Meet our mini “tank” of the reptile world! The Sudan plated lizard sports tough, shiny scales that click together like a suit of medieval armor, perfect for squeezing into rocky cracks or fending off curious predators. But don’t be fooled by the heavy gear: this chunky lizard is surprisingly gentle. It spends sunny days soaking up heat on flat rocks, then darts lightning-fast into its favorite hideout the moment danger appears.
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Watch closely and you might spot it crunching crunchy bugs, nibbling bits of fruit, or doing a lightning-quick push-up (head-bob) to say, “Hey, that’s my spot!” Its bright eyes and calm nature make it a superstar for kids learning that reptiles aren’t scary, just amazingly well-designed. Want to discover how this living tank puffs itself up to wedge in place or why its scales act like solar panels?
🚧 Page in Progress — Full List Coming Soon!
