Posted by:
HappyHillbilly
at Tue Jun 3 22:34:31 2008 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by HappyHillbilly ]
Welcome to the forum!
Unfortunately, the Orlando area doesn't have much to offer reptile enthusiasts, as far as pet shops dealing in reptiles & reptile supplies. I grew up just outside of Orlando & hit the shops when I go back to visit once or twice a year.
The best one I've found is still nothing extravagant but they have always had a decent, but small, menagerie. Pet Bazaar - in Casselberry, FL. It's about 20 - 30 minutes from downtown Orlando, if you're not stuck in rush-hour traffic.
I think there's a pet shop that deals reptiles in Kissimme (near Disney World) but I've never been to it. You can ask and/or look in the phone book when you get there.
There's a place about 1 hour's drive from Orlando called Incredible Pets, located in Melbourne, FL. I bought my nile monitor from them at an Orlando show a few years ago. I've never been to their store but they had a decent booth at the reptile show. Here's a link to their website > Incredible Pets
While I always try to support the small-time Ma & Pa type stores you might find the supplies in stock in any one of the big chain stores like Petsmart or Petco appealing.
Attraction-wise:
Reptile World Serpentarium, owned/operated by Dr. George Van Horn, is located in Kissimmee, FL, just outside of Orlando and near Walt Disney World. The serpentarium has aproximately 50 species of snake, mostly venomous, from around the world. They also have a few alligators, including a large one (about 14ft, I think) and a decent size turtle pond with a huge alligator snapping turtle.
Dr Van Horn gives venom extraction shows a few times each day. He collects venom for research labs, etc... He's a very fine gentleman and a real pleasure to talk to.
Gatorland, Orlando - "Internationally known as the Alligator Capital of the World" is well worth a visit. Here's their link > Gatorland
Central Florida Zoo - Sanford, FL
They have a decent collection of reptiles & amphibians on display. For a full list click here > Central FL Zoo
By the way, I have no invested interests in any of these places I mentioned. I'm only offering them to someone that inquired about places to visit while on vacation in a far away land. I hope this helps some.
I hope you enjoy your visit to the United States of America. Next year schedule your tip at the same time as the "National Reptile Breeders Expo" in Daytona, FL (late August) and I'll meet you there & even take you herping in central FL.
Have a good one!
HH
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Due to political correctness run amuck,
this ol' hillbilly is now referred to as an:
Appalachian American
www.natures-signature.com
[ Hide Replies ]
- GOOD PET STORES, ORLANDO - Richardmackay18, Mon Jun 2 09:54:11 2008
 RE: GOOD PET STORES, ORLANDO - HappyHillbilly, Tue Jun 3 22:34:31 2008
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