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Black Hills tourist attraction Reptile Gardens was recently named the South Dakota Family-Owned Business of the Year by the Small Business Association District Office. The award honors the Brockelsby family for generations of success and dedication to growing the world-renowned reptile park.

Founder Earl Brockelsby opened Reptile Gardens in June 1937, hoping to capitalize on the public’s fascination with snakes. Since then numerous additions have expanded the scope of Reptile Gardens, including a Sky Dome and Safari Room, where visitors can walk among free-roaming reptiles and birds. Today the park is managed by Earl’s nephew, Joe Maierhauser, who serves as president and CEO, along with Earl’s children and grandchildren.

“This is an exciting time for our family and our staff,” Maierhauser said. “We have been committed to creating a one-of-a-kind family experience for more than 70 years, and we are honored to be recognized for that.”

The South Dakota Family-Owned Business of the Year Award is presented annually to a local business based on success, employment opportunities, potential long-term growth and efforts to strengthen the community. The Brockelsby family will accept the award at the Black Hills Community Economic Development, Inc. annual meeting on May 7 in Rapid City.

In addition to providing great entertainment for the whole family, Reptile Gardens works to promote environmental conservation and animal education. Today Reptile Gardens houses more species of reptiles than any other zoo or park in the world, making it a truly unique family attraction.