Welcome to Zoochat tpratsnake. We have several herp enthusiasts here and various reptile species and exhibits in zoos around the world are frequently discussed.
I am not so sure west Texas rocks when it comes to herps. Isn't that where the infamous rattlesnake roundup is held? (An event formally condemned by the AZA).
BTW, I see your username is based on the Trans Pecos Ratsnake. We have one of those as an education animal at the zoo I volunteer at (Reid Park Zoo, Tucson) and it is a beautiful snake.