Reptilia

By: Toronto4Kids

It's not easy being green… especially when you're slimy and slithery, or you have razor-sharp teeth or venom sacks. The Reptile, once considered a creepy creature, is making a comeback. Creepy is no longer - in fact Reptiles are more popular than ever! Enter Reptilia - a new reptile zoo, right here in the city. From the tiniest Gecko to an endless Python, you'll see it all. Welcome to the fascinating world of Reptiles!

Reptilia's zoo is considered to be the first of its kind in the GTA. Their newly opened 25,000 square foot facility features a retail store, gift shop, and a 15,000 square foot indoor reptile zoo where you will see an impressive collection of animals. The zoo's mandate is to educate the public about reptiles and amphibians to ensure the wellbeing of these animals. All animals are housed in state of the art, climate controlled facilities, specifically designed to lodge reptiles. You've never seen terrariums quite this size! As you travel through the zoo, each exhibit includes informative signs that provide detailed information about the animals on display, along with answers to your reptile and amphibian questions.

Induna, a Nile crocodile, will particularly intrigue visitors to the zoo. At 4 metres long and 450 kg (1,000 pounds), Induna is the largest Croc on display in Canada! As you admire him from behind the glass, remember that this type of crocodile is the deadliest of its kind - it kills and consumes more human prey than any other species! You can also observe large pythons (measuring as much as 20 feet long) in addition to boas, anacondas, rattlers, vipers and cobras. And there are kindler and gentler species such as frogs, turtles, salamanders, lizards, skinks, monitors, bearded dragons and many more.

No fear? Reptilia offers interactive activities for those wanting to get up close and personal! On weekends, holidays, and during the summer, you can see demonstrations in their theatre. On weekdays, shows provide visitors with some one on one time with reptiles and their keepers. Or, plan your visit around mealtime, so you can see exactly what the Crocs or Pythons feast on. Zookeepers are on hand during feedings to describe the unique aspects of each reptile's feeding habits and answer your questions during feeding time. (A feeding schedule is available on their website!)

And for those who are just wild about these creatures, Reptilia provides quality domestically bred reptiles and amphibians, and all the supplies needed to care for them. While they do not recommend them as pets for most people, they will teach amphibian owners and hobbyists about responsible, ethical selection, and the proper nurturing of reptiles and amphibians.

If you're looking to make a few reptile friends and if you want an outing that educates and entertains, visit the Reptilia Zoo. They also provide Birthday Parties, Camps, School educational programs and perform at Special Events. Reptilia is located at 2501 Rutherford Road in Vaughan. For more information, visit: www.reptilia.org.