Reptile Gardens

Yesterday, despite a rainy morning and threatening skies, the kids and I went to Reptile Gardens, and as a local billboard states, "This ain't no petting zoo". Reptile Gardens is one of our favorite places to go each summer.

Kaylynn, Jordan(taking lessons from his Dad on how to ruin a perfectly good picture) Kimberly and Megan inside the skydome.

Though the sites and the shows don't change much, it still fascinates me to see so many neat creatures. One of our favorite attractions is the Alligator show. They have around 50 live alligators (crocodiles, caimans etc.).

A trained professional actually goes in the fenced area to 'play' with the alligators. As you will see from the next pictures he demonstrates the proper way to stradle an alligator, just in case you find one along the side of the road and you want to show off your crocodile hunter like skills. It is highly entertaining, though the script and the jokes haven't changed much in the 5 years we've been going.

The lucky volunteer

He claims that males work better than females because it is easier to keep their mouths shut. Ha ha!

If baby animals are more your thing then meet Fluffy, a baby dwarf caiman. He is especially cute and cuddly with his mouth tapped shut as to avoid any accidental bitings.
Reptile Gardens is also home to three giant tortises including Methsulah who was born in 1881. That makes him 126 years old. They say that tortises can live up to 200 years.
This is a replica of a giant sea turtle fossil found near Rapid City. It is believed to be the largest sea turtle that ever existed. It was 15 feet long and 16.5 feet across at the front from flipper to flipper and it is estimated to have weighed 4500 pounds. They believe that it was 100 years old at the time of it's death.

I wonder what Nemo would think of this intimidating creature?

So, when you plan your trip to South Dakota to visit, dont forget a trip to Reptile Gardens.