The Reptile Zoo The Reptile Zoo--Fountain Valley CA

[leadtheway]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking on here for a year or so now, and I finally broke down and joined!

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with The Reptile Zoo (or the other parts of their business: Prehistoric Pets, Jurassic Parties). I've found mixed reviews online and I'd like to hear some more comments before I drive an hour and a half out there and back.

Thanks!

 

[Duckbill]

I have been there and got some good pictures. Honestly I did enjoy it but I live 30 minutes away and was heading towards that neighborhood. I don't think I would drive 90+ minutes unless you are a *big* fan of reptiles.

They have a good variety of repitles, obviously not too many large animals although there are a handful including Twinkie the Albino Python (the heaviest snake on record) and a Salvatoran Water Monitor that on the day we were there just made his way about the store at will. For the money you are far better off in my opinion visiting the new LAIR and Desert LAIR at the LA Zoo.

However if you budget your time right and want to spend a lot of time in ORange County, you could couple the Reptile Zoo with OC Zoo (Irvine Regional Park in Orange, CA), Santa Ana Zoo (only AZA accredited in the county), Pacific Marine Mammal Center (Laguna Beach), or Ocean Institute (Dana Point Aquarium open on weekends only) but be prepared to do some driving.

 

[ungulate nerd]

I bought many of my pets at the Reptile Zoo in Fountain valley including a Bearded dragon and an African fat tailed gecko, i even had my 12th birthday there, it used to be free admission, now you have to pay to get in, its a great place, i grew up there

 

[cloudedleopard]

Reptile Zoo

The Reptile Zoo is a touristy piece of crap! It's a glorified pet store! I wasted money looking at overcrowded, smelly reptiles that belong at another zoo. It should have been free! The only good part was the collection. I rate it #21 (the second worst zoo I have ever visited). The best is Columbus and the worst is Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park. It's a waste of money, so don't go here! Epic fail. Go to the Living Desert instead. It may be a drive, but I saw my first wild chuckwalla there. I don't get why people go here.