Exciting things to come in Herpetology

As many of you are aware, we have been hard at work here in the Herpetology Department. If you have visited Scaly Slimy Spectacular, you may have discovered some big changes occurring! There has been a lot of construction with sawing, hammering, drilling, digging, welding, plumbing, and concreting throughout the building. The habitat updates are almost complete with a new feel and look that I know all our guests are anxiously waiting to finally see. We are excited too!

Guests to Zoo Atlanta have really made the last few months of the Herpetology Team fun and interactive. I enjoy the moments I get to stop and chat with all our guests and shed some light on anything new and exciting happening in our buildings. My journeys throughout Scaly Slimy Spectacular have been filled with inquisitive questions about the renovations happening to the former American alligator habitat. It is amazing to see how many of our guests are genuinely interested in where our four American alligators live now. It is moments like those that really make me proud to be a facilitator in connecting our guests with Nature’s most impressive animals here at Zoo Atlanta. We can assure everyone that our four American alligators are getting the best care possible from the amazing team at St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. I highly encourage everyone to visit this AZA-accredited organization and see every species of crocodilian in the world in one place! If you have not ventured over to our Zoo Atlanta social media platforms, please take a moment and look at Assistant Curator of Herpetology Robert Hill’s recent #TakeoverTuesday. You will get a glimpse at the journey of our American alligators to their new home and receive some additional hints towards what is to come here at Zoo Atlanta in the Herpetology Department.

So, I know what most might be thinking: Just tell us what unique animals are going in this newly refurbished waterfall habitat! “Croc’s got my tongue,” and you will just have to wait and see. I will tell you this much: The habitat looks amazing and will give all our guests a unique experience much different than before. We look forward to hearing all your future comments and questions!

“See you later alligator, after while crocodile!”
Trent Niesen
Lead Keeper, Herpetology