The Reptile Zoo

“Despite naysayer’s claims that The Reptile Zoo in Fountain Valley is not a “real” zoo, the fact is, it very much meets the standard definition of “zoo”. That being, “A zoo (short for zoological garden or park) is a facility where live animals, particularly wild species, are kept in enclosures or, increasingly, in simulated natural habitats, for public exhibition, education, research, and conservation. They function as educational institutions and often participate in breeding programs for endangered species.” In the case of The Reptile Zoo, they also take in rescues. Now, I’m not an expert on reptile habitat. I’m just an average guy who enjoys the occasional post on social media, and decided that since I’m visiting the area I would go check out what this zoo is all about. I had read many of the negative reviews from folks who probably have as little knowledge of the subject matter as I do. Yes, the facility is smaller than I expected, and yes, the individual enclosures are also smaller than I expected for most of the reptile inhabitants, but I don’t have a clue what is actually suitable and acceptable. I would like to think that the folks that run this operation know what they are doing and are doing the best they can for these creatures. All of this said, this is a really interesting place to visit and explore. More than once, staff offered to answer any questions I may have had. They seem quite excited to teach, and talk about the animals. It’s a pretty cool experience for just $15.00. Very much recommended.”

“It was my grandson birthday and he loves reptiles. Great place for kids to spend a few hours here, they can learn more about the reptiles and a chance to interact with the different species. All my grandkids loved and really enjoyed this place. Staff was easy going, the presenter was patient and funny. Announced before the presentation that it was a paid presentation. You can feed turtles anytime. Prices were exactly as stated on the site. $5 for tortoise feeding cups (and you can keep the cup!)”

“We visited this place because it has “zoo” in it when we were searching for zoo to the little one explore about nature. It was so small that when we arrived we thought we came to the wrong place. There are many varieties of different reptiles here, snakes, pythons, geckos, lizards, alligators, turtles, etc. Their exhibitions really weren’t an exhibition, more like a cage, exposed to human guests. This place reminds as a shop that sells pets rather than a zoo. I don’t know much about reptiles, but I do partly agree with some other reviews here. Some exhibits are too small for the reptiles living in it.”

“Words cannot describe how horrific this place is, but I can try my best. If you want to expose your children to fun critters, reptiles, and more - the most ethical and humane thing you can do is run as far from here as possible. On one hand, it's awesome that this place is affordable and has so many different reptiles that one typically would not see at a pet store or local. There are floor to ceiling tanks, exhibits, and full of creatures I've only seen on YouTube or on display at the LA Zoo. One of the biggest considerations when caring for exotics is that their enclosure is suitable for the unique environment they come from so they can continue to cultivate happy, healthy lifestyles. Within the first minute of entering the "zoo," I, a reptile hobbyist at best, immediately noticed the lack of suitable environments. The living conditions of these animals are being neglected in favor of forcing more animals to be on display. There are bright lights shining into every tank, no devices to monitor/upkeep the humidity, many non-social animals crammed into the same tank, substrate that doesn't meet the animals' needs, and inadequate shelter. Zoos have a responsibility to the public: education, awareness, and conservation. The reason this "zoo" isn't accredited by the AZA is plain and simple. This is not a zoo, this is a rich, white man's exotic collection put on display for his personal gain. Zoos don't endager animals by forcing them to socialize with people because they paid an extra 15$. Zoos don't put alligators into little more than plastic closets for our viewing pleasure. They don't have tortoises living in urine saturated bedding, anxiously pacing lizards, or disabled two-headed snakes stuck while their "owner" laughs at them. I could go on and on. If Jay or any of the employees really cared about these animals they wouldn't be kept like this. This isn't about education, awareness, or conservation: this is a man with a lot of money trying to make a profit off of his poorly-kept exotic collection.”