Reptiles

Reptiles are cold-blooded, usually egg-laying vertebrates (animals with backbones). Their skin is covered with scales or plates. Unlike mammal young, which are dependent upon their mothers for some time after birth, most reptiles are independent from day one.

There are more than 6,500 reptile species. Below is the list of reptiles on regular view at the Zoo.

Aldabra Tortoise

This tortoise is one of the world’s longest living animals with a lifespan of 150+ years.

American Alligator

Early in the day, American alligators often bask on the shoreline to raise their body temperature.

Armenian Viper

This venomous snake inhabits rocky areas habitats in the Middle East.

Baja Ratsnake

The secretive, nocturnal ratsnake is nonvenomous and lives in dry, rocky habitats.

Caiman Lizard

A red-orange head helps this South American lizard stand out.

California Kingsnake

Why are these snakes kings? These non-venomous snakes eat their competition for lunch.

Cape Cobra

The highly venomous Cape cobra is famous for its threat display.

Chuckwalla

These desert dwellers can inflate their bodies by swallowing air.

Desert Iguana

The desert iguana is one of the most common lizards in the Mojave and Sonoran deserts.

Dwarf Caiman

This ambush hunter is the smallest member of the alligator family.

Gaboon Viper

The Gaboon viper also has the longest fangs of any venomous snake.

Giant Horned Lizard

To ward off predators, these lizards can squirt blood from the corners of their eyes.

Gila Monster

This lizard’s genus name (Heloderma) comes from Greek, meaning “studded skin.”

Gopher Snake

This nonvenomous snake’s diet includes moles, rats, mice, and, of course, gophers.

Green Mamba

They are primarily solitary creatures and, luckily, they seldom come into contact with humans.

Green Tree Python

This snake has many adaptations that make it a successful tree dweller.

Indian Gharial

The gharial is one of the most aquatic crocodilian species.
komodo dragon

Komodo Dragon

The world’s largest lizard has a reputation for having a deadly bite.

Mexican Beaded Lizard

This lizard shares many characteristics with its close relative, the more famous Gila monster.

Painted Terrapin

Painted terrapins are medium to large-sized turtles native to Asia.

Perentie

Australia’s largest lizard, the perentie is related to the Komodo dragon.

Rattlesnake

A rattlesnake’s rattle is a warning to predators to leave these snakes alone.

Rosy Boa

The rosy boa is a type of constrictor native to SoCal deserts and beyond.

Rough-Scaled Python

This snake’s name comes from its keeled scales, which gives its body a rough texture.

Temple Viper

This viper has a prehensile tail, which makes it perfectly suited for a life in the trees.