The St. Louis Zoo is a world leader in reptile and amphibian conservation. One of their latest projects in conjunction with Missouri Fish and Wildlife is that of the Ozark Hellbender. This giant salamander native to Missouri is disappearing at a rapid rate due to loss of habitat and pollution.

The zoo is working hard behind-the-scenes to save this precious species and find out the cause of the hellbenders’ decline. On the lower level of the herpetarium they have specially made a 32-foot stream to simulate hellbender habitat. It is home to 8 breeding adults. Fun Fact: The zoo’s efforts received national attention when the stream was visited by Animal Planet’s Jeff Corwin!

One of my favorite parts of the tour was visiting the various viper breeding rooms run by our guide Matt Edgar. He’s the studbook keeper for the endangered Ocellated Mountain Viper.

Matt takes care of hundreds of snakes, including this female viper who just gave birth in July.

Most of the babies born in the room are transported to separate enclosures where they can be monitored properly.

Some of the vipers had the most amazing colors!

The zoo also has outdoor exhibits for many of their lizards including their male Komodo Dragon. This male is waiting behind-the-scenes until the zoo constructs a new Komodo exhibit.

The tour was incredible! I was so impressed by the St. Louis Zoo’s reptile and amphibian conservation efforts and their knowledgeable staff. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: If you haven’t visited the St. Louis Zoo and you’re a reptile fan you’re missing out! To plan your visit soon please visit www.stlzoo.org  
***A special thanks goes out to Mark Wanner and Matt Edgar