Reptile Gardens

Reptile Gardens is a wonderful attraction in the Black Hills! It has been a family favorite for several decades now. They have the largest collection of reptiles in the world. But don't be fooled! They also have many amphibians, birds, and exotic plants! They even have prarie dogs.
There are many zoo like exhibits but they also put on shows throughout the day. The three shows include a snake show, gator/croc show, and bird show. The bird show asks for volunteers, usually children, and the gator show usually has a baby alligator you can pet. Sometimes there are people wandering around with snakes you are allowed to touch.
If you ever take a vacation to the Black Hills make sure not to miss this great place!

PS Some facts for clarification...
There may be some things not abundantly clear from the video and editing...
The non-venomous snakes are held bare-handed, anytime you see the snake-stick it is a venomous snake.
The trainers at Reptile Gardens are among the best in the world and often train others for zoos around the country.
The cobra is NOT a king cobra, it is a monocled cobra.
The rattlesnake is a Prairie rattlesnake, the only venomous snake in the region.
Venom must be in the blood to kill, it will probably make you sick if injested but it won't kill. (With the possible exception of allergic reaction.)
The video cut off before he explained that the fastest cobra death (7 min) was due to a highly unlikely allergy to the venom. Most cobra deaths take several minutes longer.

The Alligator show actually contained alligators, crocidiles, and camians.
Maniac, the crocidile at the very end of the movie is 15 feet long!
One alligator at Reptile Gardens was in a James Bond movie, there used to be two but one died of old age.

The first bird is a hybrid between a crow and raven. He looks most impressive.
In order for a bald eagle to be kept in a show it must have been permantly injured and unable to survive in the wild. (With the exception of a few individuals kept for religious purposes by Native American tribes.)

The giant tortoise being petted is Methusalah (128) the oldest living the in South Dakota.

If you have any other questions I'd be happy to try and answer them!

Category:

Pets & Animals

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• reptiles!
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[BlackOpsFan72]

@Wazupupmydog Rapid City South Dakota , reptile gardens?

[Wazupupmydog]

my dad grew up there and he always talks about this place