THE ROBESONIAN (Lumberton, North Carolina) 12 June 06 Rare, venomous snakes at serpentarium (Michael Jaenicke)
Wilmington: Dean Ripa spent more than 20 years capturing the most deadly snakes in the world.
His odd hobby is the foundation for the Cape Fear Serpentarium, home to more than 300 snakes, all safely tucked away in glass enclosures. There are more than 100 species represented in the 10,000-square-foot indoor museum, including a 23-foot, 250-pound python, 15-foot King Cobra, black Mambas, spitting Cobras and a Bushmaster, widely considered the most deadly snake in the world.
The museum, located at 20 Orange St. in the city's historic district, is open weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $8.
Ripa and Scott McKenzie, the museum's curator, provide informal lectures, but the must-see hour is from 3 to 4 p.m. when the animals eat. Detailed information about the snakes is mounted inside the enclosures for self-guided tours.
“Opening up the windows gives visitors a keen insight into the snake's world,” McKenzie said. “Pythons, for example, can eat animals as large as a pig.”
The museum offers educational field trips for schools and clubs.
“Snakes are an important part of the ecosystem,” McKenzie said. “Without them, it would be almost impossible to control the rodent population. We have a lot of snakes in our area and get calls frequently about what to do.”
McKenzie says there are few venomous snakes in North Carolina, but suggests people respect a snake's space.
“We work with local hospitals and wildlife officials about treating snake bites,” McKenzie said. “We also want the general public to understand they need to leave snakes alone. Don't attempt to capture or kill snakes. If you are scared of them, leave them alone.”
Ripa has been bitten often, four times by a Bushmaster. According to the museum's literature, the odds of surviving a Bushmaster bite - even with anti-venom treatment - are 20 percent.
McKenzie says the museum changes attitudes about snakes.
“I think it's probably one of the more interesting and educational places you can go in the Wilmington area,” McKenzie said. “We've got rare and endangered snakes, some of the largest snakes in captivity, and work hard to get them to breed. The public likes watching the eggs hatch in the fall. Most everyone who comes in here leaves with a new perspective on snakes.”
The museum also has a few crocodiles. Under construction is the African Art Room, where stone, metal and wood carvings will celebrate the continent's culture.
For information about the museum, call (910) 762-1669.
Rare, venomous snakes at serpentarium