the reptile zoo

The Reptile Zoo is a staple in the Monroe area. While driving East on Hwy 2 the kids will love taking a look at all the reptiles. Children have the opportunity to touch or hold snakes and lizards. Good value.

Very well kept reptile zoo. They also have frogs, several tarantulas and other insect species. Live exhibits will keep both kids and adults interested. The zoo has several rare animals - albino boa, albino alligator and a two-headed tortoise of adult size and age. Neither Tacoma nor Seattle zoo has a comparable collection of reptiles, so stop by if you are driving on US-2 through Monroe, or plan a visit when you have couple of hours available.

Tucked in between Monroe and Sultan is this family friendly "zoo" where you can pat the tortoises and gently hold the snakes. Pre-schoolers are mesmerized, 12 year olds gawk at the poisonous snakes, Mom's are relieved the snakes are de-venomized. Animals appear well cared for; minimal zoo smell and staff are attentive to reptile well being amidst the excitement. Definitely worth the stop. Were you really enjoying the Highway 2 traffic? Reptiles are cold blooded but the zoo is toasty warm, leave your jackets in the car.

Paid a visit in October 2014. Was last here in 2008 as they were just starting to renovate the left side of the building. It is great to see what they have done with the place.The animals are all healthy and clearly well cared for. Many of the snakes were active when we went and the animals were all a good size and weight. Some highlights to see are Simon the water monitor who is well into his 20's and their albino alligator. They no longer have a king cobra unfortunately but have many other venomous species represented. You can crawl under the Anaconda tank for a unique view and handle some of the reptiles. We didn't participate in the hands on as I own reptiles and the ones they use for interaction are fairly common, but for kids that is an extra added experience that they will never forget.There is a bit of an odor when you walk in but that is typical of any type of indoor zoo facility especially one with humid enclosures. I have seen reviews from people who have said the cages are small or that the animals seem "sad." Putting human emotions on reptiles is inaccurate and unless you have mind reading powers how are you to say they are sad? Reptiles are pretty lazy creatures (one of the side effects of being cold blooded) and many of the enclosures were far larger than what would be considered a minimum for them. Someone with knowledge of reptiles would be impressed with this facility and I absolutely was.Well worth detouring on the way down from Vancouver, or heading up from Seattle to check out. It is what you make of it, you can blow through it in minutes or you can stop and read the animal bios and watch the active ones and spend a few hours. I won't wait 6 years to go back.

So glad we went this last weekend! A few times prior to this trip I would dread going because of the atmosphere. It was filthy to say the least and the staff wasn't very helpful or kind. This trip changed my mind. They have really made some incredible improvements and the staff is patient, kind, and goes above and beyond for kids and adults! THANK YOU!!!

Fun place to visit especially with kids lots of snakes and reptiles to see and you could hold a snake etc. Staff very friendly and informative.

Email ahead and find out what day is feeding day and be sure to hit it that day as it makes an interesting visit, that much more interesting.

Three generations, ranging from 8 to 70, enjoyed a visit on Mother's Day. We all love snakes and other animals and all enjoyed the opportunity to hold and pet some snakes before touring the facility. If you arrive at 1 p.m. you can observe the animals being fed but won't be able to hold or pet them due to the danger of being mistaken for food. We chose to go later for the more up-close-and-personal tour. They have a great variety of snakes as well as alligators, turtles, tortoises, lizard-type animals, and even tarantulas and several insects. There is even a place where you can crawl underneath a tank to see the scales on the underside of a huge snake. Signs are very helpful, with lots of information and even the names given to the critters. We especially liked Severus Snake and Draco, one of the most poisonous snakes. Warning: It is very hot and humid in the building so dress for summer under your other clothes! Cost is $8 for adults, $6.50 for children.

This place is unique. Lots of interesting reptiles. Two buidings. Stay for the video, very educational.

I have taken my grandsons (age 5 & 10) to the Reptile Zoo several times. They love it. If the timing is right you can hold a snake or feed a snake. There is a good variety of animals for viewing. I think some of the enclosures need to be updated especially the alligators space is sad. The entrance fee is reasonable enough and a fun excursion on a dreary day.

It’s an interesting enough way to spend an hour or so if you’re passing by. Not sure I would go too far out of way, however, to visit this. It does what it says on the tin, though, with a pretty wide variety of reptiles: mainly snakes, but a few assorted frogs, toads, tortoises, iguanas/lizards and an alligator. While I’m no expert, the animals didn’t seem to have too much space and there certainly wasn’t a lot of activity from the various animals – perhaps I was just unlucky. Some interesting reptile facts, though, and if you’re there at the right time you can hold some of the snakes.