Reptile Gardens
Just a few miles outside of Rapid City, the world’s largest collection of reptiles can be found at Reptile Gardens. Founded by Earl Brockelsby, over 200 reptile species and a wide variety of exotic plant life can be found by all who enter this iconic South Dakota attraction.
Reptile Gardens is one of the most iconic attractions of the Black Hills and South Dakota. It has gathered the largest collection of reptiles and exotic plant life for people to explore. In doing so, they educate visitors about the wildlife of our world. Their hard work has been recognized and validated through the many awards they have received. This zoo is one of the greatest attractions of South Dakota, it is certainly something you do not want to miss.
Mission
This South Dakota attraction is an animal park, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, that houses the largest collection of reptiles in the world. Their mission is to provide guests with an incredible experience of exotic plant and wildlife and to positively contribute to the future of their animal residents by educating visitors of environmental issues and supporting conservation programs. The history and achievements of this zoo make Reptile Gardens one of the greatest stops of South Dakota.
Recognitions
Due to the park’s many exhibits Reptile Gardens holds the world record for the largest collection of reptiles in the Guinness Book of World Records with over 200 species housed at the park. The zoo has also been recognized and awarded with the South Dakota Great Service Star Business for 2016. Reptile Gardens has also received the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence every year since 2012, along with many more awards for being one of the top attractions in South Dakota.
History
The animal park originally opened in 1937, a few miles south of Rapid City, founded by reptile enthusiast Earl Brockelsby. Earl would often end his tours by taking off his hat to reveal a live rattlesnake coiled on top of his head. With construction of a new highway, the park was relocated, in 1965, to its current location in Spring Creek valley. Along with the new location, the Sky dome was constructed to contain a Safari Room. The Safari Room is a large enclosed room that allows visitors to walk amongst and observe free roaming animals.
Giving Back
Being such a successful attraction of South Dakota, Reptile Gardens donates continued support to various organizations in support of animal and wildlife conservation. Organizations such as the Charles Darwin Foundation, which focuses on protecting exotic plan and animal wildlife and habitats in the Galapagos islands. They also support captive breeding programs designed to increase wild populations and protect endangered species.
Just a few miles outside of Rapid City, the world’s largest collection of reptiles can be found at Reptile Gardens. Founded by Earl Brockelsby, over 200 reptile species and a wide variety of exotic plant life can be found by all who enter this iconic South Dakota attraction.
Reptile Gardens is one of the most iconic attractions of the Black Hills and South Dakota. It has gathered the largest collection of reptiles and exotic plant life for people to explore. In doing so, they educate visitors about the wildlife of our world. Their hard work has been recognized and validated through the many awards they have received. This zoo is one of the greatest attractions of South Dakota, it is certainly something you do not want to miss.
Mission
This South Dakota attraction is an animal park, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, that houses the largest collection of reptiles in the world. Their mission is to provide guests with an incredible experience of exotic plant and wildlife and to positively contribute to the future of their animal residents by educating visitors of environmental issues and supporting conservation programs. The history and achievements of this zoo make Reptile Gardens one of the greatest stops of South Dakota.
Recognitions
Due to the park’s many exhibits Reptile Gardens holds the world record for the largest collection of reptiles in the Guinness Book of World Records with over 200 species housed at the park. The zoo has also been recognized and awarded with the South Dakota Great Service Star Business for 2016. Reptile Gardens has also received the Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence every year since 2012, along with many more awards for being one of the top attractions in South Dakota.
History
The animal park originally opened in 1937, a few miles south of Rapid City, founded by reptile enthusiast Earl Brockelsby. Earl would often end his tours by taking off his hat to reveal a live rattlesnake coiled on top of his head. With construction of a new highway, the park was relocated, in 1965, to its current location in Spring Creek valley. Along with the new location, the Sky dome was constructed to contain a Safari Room. The Safari Room is a large enclosed room that allows visitors to walk amongst and observe free roaming animals.
Giving Back
Being such a successful attraction of South Dakota, Reptile Gardens donates continued support to various organizations in support of animal and wildlife conservation. Organizations such as the Charles Darwin Foundation, which focuses on protecting exotic plan and animal wildlife and habitats in the Galapagos islands. They also support captive breeding programs designed to increase wild populations and protect endangered species.