Shelly Turtle
Welcome to the Learning Page!
Reptile Gardens houses more species of reptiles and amphibians than any other zoo or park in the world. One of our missions is to educate the public on important environmental issues, while working closely with many major zoos worldwide to promote species survival.

Since its beginning, Reptile Gardens has been a source of entertainment , as well as an unforgettable learning experience for millions of visitors by providing them the rare opportunity to observe these exotic animals up close.

Click on an image to begin your adventure and learn more about our amazing reptile and amphibian collection.
Reptile Gardens
Crocodilians
Crocodilians
Crocodilians are a family of reptiles comprised of Alligators, Crocodiles, Caimans and Gharial. They are well adapted for an aquatic lifestyle. They have a rough and tumble skin, their eyes, noses, and ears are located above their head. This allows their large bodies to be camouflaged underwater while they succussfully hunt their prey.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ALLIGATORS AND CROCODILIANS
 
Snakes
Snakes
A snake is a reptile, and like all reptiles, snakes are ectothermic, or cold blooded, and covered in scales. They are distinguished from legless lizards by their lack of eyelids, limbs, and external ears.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SNAKES.
 
Lizards
Lizards
Lizards are reptiles. Most have four legs, are covered in scales, and have a skull composed of quadrate, or rectangular, bones. Lizards possess external ears and most have movable eyelids.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LIZARDS.
 
Turtles and Tortoises
Turtles and tortoise
All turtles, tortoises, and terrapins are reptiles. So why the different names? Those common names usually refer to differences in where the species live and how they use their habitat.
LEARN MORE ABOUT TURTLES AND TORTOISES
 
Turtles and Tortoises
South Dakota Reptiles
South Dakota is home to many species of reptiles. We have 8 species of lizards, 7 species of turtles, and 17 species of snakes.
LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA'S REPTILES.
Amphibians
Frogs
Frogs and Salamanders
Like reptiles, amphibians are cold-blooded - that is, their body temperature depends directly on the temperature of the air or water around them.
LET'S GO SEE SOME FROGS AND SALAMANDERS

 




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