Reptile World Serpentarium

11/13/2007 Posted by bellegirl

ST. CLOUD SERPENTERIUM IS A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT. They have a show were the guy milks the venom out of 5 different snakes, it is like a national geographic special. The shows are usually at 12pm and 3 pm. Call ahead to make sure they will show it. On my last visit they feed a big alligator a dead baby pig and threw dead baby chicks to the smaller gators. Other than the shows there is a turtle pond a gator pond and lots of snakes behind glass, which is not air conditoined and really hot in the summer. But highly recommend seeing it all.

Pros: great snake milking shows

Cons: hot in summer

08/06/2007 Posted by ejconroy

Once upon a time I lived in St. Cloud. I was a herpetologist with a strong interest in venomous snakes, especially the use of venom in medicine. Naturally I found myself drawn to Reptile World, where the many snakes I had only seen in books (like the mambas, the Gaboon viper, and the great variety of cobras) were right there for me to watch and observe for as long I wanted. As if that wasn't enough, George Van Horn's milking "show" addressed the very subject I was pursuing. Understand that George is a brave man who not only knows what he's doing, but treats his animals with care and respect. Now I understand that this isn't everyone's cup of tea, but this is a rare find in a world where exploitation of life for maximum profit is the norm. When I had the opportunity, Reptile World was a weekly destination for me. I also supported the work being done to supply venom for medical experiments--if you didn't know, they've been known to work. If you go, however, I suggest you take your own water and plenty of it. The exhibit hall wasn't ai conditioned the last I was there, and things can get hot.

Pros: Price, education, variety

Cons: Not exactly modern

11/17/2006 Posted by ssssnakelady

When we drive from North Carolina to Orlando, we're not interested in the cartoon rodent, but we make a point to make a pilgrimage to the Serpentarium! We've been at least 3 times (so far) and we're going again this week! Last time we were there, the owner/snake handler, George Van Horn, brought out a beautiful (& endangered) indigo snake for us to hold. After giving a short presentation, he and his wife commenced to "milking" 2 copperheads, 1 rattler, 3 water moccasins (one of them, "very unhappy") and 2 monacled cobras (one of them, albino). Be sure to bring a handful of quarters! There's a vending machine for turtle food (although the "free range" ducks, etc will come to you and beg LOUDLY. :> Inside, their display is killer... literally! Mambas, vipers, cobras, you name it, they probably have it! They also have several non-venomous snakes, such as various boas, pythons, and corn snakes of all colors and patterns! If you would like a really unique gift, depending on the availability of that particular day, you can buy a huge intact (although fragile) snake skin from a cobra or huge burmese python... etc. They also have t-shirts and other typical souvie stuff. Be sure to bring cash, because as of Nov 2004, they didn't take credit cards. ENJOY!!!

Pros: Great Educational experience! No lines! Venom show was great!

Cons: Last time, they only accepted cash & local checks. It's also a little ways "out of the way."

06/27/2006 Posted by ranchugirl

I go to reptile world mostly because I am an avid tortoise lover, and have some myself. Its always great to visit Reptile World and see all the different species they have around. Especially the huge sulcatas are my favorite, but all of them are worth having a look at. The rest of Reptile World is great as well, and I just love the venomous snake demonstrations. A very experienced handler, and it takes away a lot of the fear of snakes in general. It helped me learn that not every snake I see is automatically a poisonous one, and how to react around snakes I might stumble upon when going outside. Great gift shop as well!! Definetely a great place to visit, and you don't have to fight for parking spots with 100's of other tourists. Andrea

Pros: lots of parking spots, not crowded, very knowledgeable and helpful people

Cons: a bit far off for most people, but I leave just around the corner

01/01/2006 Posted by rachelglasner

After seeing the snakes alive & well here, I am actually beginning to wonder if the snakes at museums or zoos are on some sort of medication. These snakes at the serpentarium were actually moving and were a lot of fun to observe. I'm not a snake lover but I really liked this. Just wish I could have seen all of the snakes being milked. I missed seeing the cobra but everyone else in my party who saw it thought it was great. We all enjoyed it.

Pros: Neat to see the venom, Not crowded, Low price