Category Archives: Reptile Gardens history
Marv Basham
Reptile Gardens just lost its last link to the past, Marv Basham (1917-2011). Until yesterday, Marv was the last person still around who was here on opening day in June of 1937. He had helped build our original buildings and … Continue reading
Methuselah – Reptile Gardens’ Beloved Mascot for 56 years.
On Sunday 9 July 2011 we were all saddened by the loss of our old friend and long-time animal resident, Methuselah the giant Galapagos Tortoise. Methuselah arrived at Reptile Gardens in December of 1954 from the Galapagos Islands off the … Continue reading
75 YEARS AND GOING STRONG! CALLING ALL FORMER & CURRENT REPTILE GARDENS STAFF MEMBERS
Next year, 2012, Reptile Gardens will be celebrating its 75th anniversary. You know what that means? We are planning a fun staff reunion to celebrate this momentous anniversary. The main reunion event will be held on Saturday, 30 June 2012 … Continue reading
Posted in General, Reptile Gardens history, Reptile Gardens News
Practical Jokes at Reptile Gardens
Reptile Gardens’ founder Earl Brockelsby (1916-1993) was notorious for his elaborate & sometimes nasty practical jokes. Among them were: *Propping open the mouth of a dead alligator with the Sunday newspaper inside & setting it outside a friend’s home…a friend … Continue reading
Back When the Sky Dome was New
David, Jada, Clint and the rest of the staff have been really busy in the Sky Dome since we closed for the season. They have done a lot of work on the mezzanine level and even more in the Safari … Continue reading
You Guys Have It Easy Out There Now That The Tourists Are Gone
Today’s blog combines a column written in 1967 by long-time General Manager Jim Campbell with updates and additions from me. By the way, we aren’t anywhere near closing yet. We’re open until the end of the year. Those of us … Continue reading
Posted in General, Reptile Gardens history, Reptile Gardens News
Tagged Reptile Gardens history
Reptile Gardens…or United Nations?
Many people do not know that the Black Hills was one of the top finalists in the search for a location for the United Nations. The beginnings of what was to become the United Nations were set in motion back … Continue reading
Posted in General, Reptile Gardens history
Mac the Scarlet Macaw
On Wednesday, 10 March, we lost one of the very few living creatures that has been at Reptile Gardens longer than even us long-timers, Mac our Scarlet Macaw. Like most parrots in the days before wildlife laws and captive breeding, … Continue reading
Posted in General, Reptile Gardens history, Reptile Gardens News
Tagged Macaw, Parrots, Reptile Gardens' birds
HOW TO CARE FOR A DEAD TREE
This week I am posting a column written 44 years ago by long-time Reptile Gardens General Manager, Jim Campbell. “Right smack in the center of the giant dome at the new Reptile Gardens there is a huge, gnarled pine tree, some forty feet high. And lots of it is underground to keep it from falling over.” Continue reading
Posted in General, Reptile Gardens history