Alligators, caimans and crocodiles enjoying the hot Dakota sunshine in between gator handling shows — Photo courtesy of Jared Ranahan
When considering the different species of reptiles scattered across the globe, some regions inspire more wonder than others. Parts of Southeast Asia and Oceania are home to the saltwater crocodile, an apex predator capable of reaching 20 feet (6 meters) in length, while the island of Komodo boasts the largest lizard on Earth, capable of taking down a fully-grown water buffalo.
The Black Hills region of South Dakota, on the other hand, wields tiny turtles and lizards, with the prairie rattlesnake as its most dangerous inhabitant. Considering this underwhelming showing, it may come as a surprise that this region is home to the largest reptile zoo in the world. Since 1937, Reptile Gardens in Rapid City has amassed a hoard of some of the most venomous, aggressive and fascinating reptiles the world has to offer.
The park sprung from humble beginnings, sparked by local tour guide Earl Brockelsby’s passion for snakes. Constructing a single building to house his reptiles, Brockelsby charged visitors the steep price of ten cents to view his collection of creatures.
Lasting through a number of setbacks over the years, including a period of difficulty during World War II, a location change in 1965, and a major fire in 1976, the park stands today as one of the most popular attractions in all of South Dakota, remaining family-owned throughout its entire existence.
Of all the exhibits contained within Reptile Gardens, the most staggering is the Sky Dome. Instantly recognizable from afar on Highway 16, this three-floor structure is a veritable treasure trove of species. Those with a love for both botany and herpetology should visit the Safari Room, located on the middle level.
Guests can stroll amongst a massive array of flowering plants from all reaches of the earth, all while spotting free-roaming reptiles, frogs and parrots scattered about the room. While nothing in this room can cause serious harm to guests, the mezzanine and lower levels contain some of the deadliest beasts on earth.
Crocodiles spend a large part of their lives lying perfectly still, waiting for prey to come along; Maniac has perfected this craft, as demonstrated here — Photo courtesy of Jared Ranahan
A section of the ground floor is dedicated to crocodilians, a taxonomic order that has remained largely unchanged for 95 million years. While a number of enclosures house alligators, caimans and small crocodiles, one of the main attractions is a titanic creature known as Maniac.
Weighing in at roughly 1,350 pounds (600 kg) and spanning about 16 feet (4.8 meters), this Australian-born saltwater crocodile is a wonder to behold. Originally adopted from a closing Sydney amusement park, Maniac was flown from home to Los Angeles, followed by Denver, then driven to Rapid City, where he currently makes a living frightening children and adults alike from the comfort of his cage.
Many creatures contained in the mezzanine are much tinier than Maniac, yet come equipped with one troubling attribute: venom. The floor is dedicated almost entirely to snakes, with rows and rows of serpents housed behind thick panes of glass.
The park is quick to point out that there is no single “deadliest snake,” with all species being ranked through their 6-factor International Danger Quotient. Major contenders include the inland taipan, an Australian species boasting the most toxic venom of any snake; the black mamba, a highly aggressive and highly feared sub-Saharan African species; and the South/Southeast Asian king cobra, longest of all venomous snakes.
Non-venomous species are featured prominently too, including the world’s largest snake, the South American green anaconda.
Don’t let the smile fool you – the black mamba is one of Africa’s most aggressive snakes — Photo courtesy of Jared Ranahan
In spite of the name, Reptile Gardens is home to more than just scaly cold-blooded vertebrates. Insects and arachnids abound throughout the “BIG BUGS!” division of the Sky Dome’s ground floor, along with an amphibian section displaying frogs and salamanders nearby.
Outside the Sky Dome, visitors can spot Cheyenne, the park’s resident bald eagle. Discovered in the wild with a severely broken wing, Cheyenne underwent an amputation that brought her career as a predator to an end, at which point she was adopted by the Reptile Gardens staff. Not far from Cheyenne lies Prairie Dog Town, a small exhibit rife with the burrowing rodents.
Over time, the park has developed relationships with a number of organizations committed to sustainability, both locally and internationally. Institutions include the Black Hills Raptor Center, dedicated to the rehabilitation of injured native birds, as well as a number of organizations tasked with the preservation of key reptilian species: The Gharial Conservation Alliance, the Komodo Dragon SSP Conservation Fund, and the Galapagos Conservancy.
While the natural world struggles in the face of the Holocene extinction, one of the largest extinction events in Earth’s history, Reptile Gardens seeks to bring reptiles to the forefront of the public eye. As young guests are wowed by the park’s alligator and snake handling shows, they’re subconsciously forming a deeper connection with some of Earth’s most misunderstood animals.
Though reptiles may not be as cuddly as warm-blooded animals, their vital role in our global ecosystem cannot be understated.