Reptile Garden

21/03/2025

Feeding the new baby Gaboons. Some are getting the hang of it while others are a bit slow to start. They all eat well, though, which is great.

15/03/2025

Lizass my Rock Monitor (Varanus albigularis) catching some rays by the pool after an educational show at a birthday party.

02/03/2025

Albino West African Gaboon is coming out to investigate whats going on. Any food, Dad?

09/02/2025

I have been working on making my enclosures better and bigger, etc. I still have a long way to go, and it is a costly exercise. I recently pimped out Strikers crib, and he is loving his new cork hide.

It is so rewarding to make things look nice and enrich the environment for these guys, even though Striker is happy to sit and wait for a meal.

Anyway, here is a little photo shoot of Stiker the West African Gaboon Viper (Bitis rhinoceros).

01/02/2025

We fully stocked on feeder insects Mealworms, Black soilder fly larvae, Superworms and Dubia roaches.

31/01/2025

Field's Horned Vipers (Pseudocerastes fieldi)

26/01/2025

Mom and Dad of the recent baby Cape Cobras (Naja nivea) we hatched.

21/01/2025

My Gaboon Viper fang collection is growing. I have some large animals around 1,5m and at best their fangs are 2,5cm long which is half of the record 2 inches or 5,1cm. Now you do get Gaboons of 1,8m with heads twice the size of mine. Where are the world record holders for largest fangs? Obviously I don't have those genetics, and I have seen a monster before owned by

Does anyone have some monster fangs they can show us. My Fer-de-lance has all my gaboons beat so far.

Ok, let's see who comments " why did you kill all those snakes for their fangs" LOL

They shed them all the time so they are nice and sharp. The nice white ones just fell out and the brown ones were swallowed. I would have many more, but I don't like to dig through the ....

09/01/2025

Don't miss our last show at the Science Centre. If you do we can come to you for your next party or event.

09/01/2025

Boa Constrictor (Boa imperator), waiting patiently for her next meal. Covered up so nicely in her moss bed. It is great to add new things to your cages and give it a slight change up from time to time. This is a form of enrichment.

We can always do better, so let's add more to our enclosures when we can. It is often more rewarding having a few larger display cages than a bunch of snakes in a rack.

06/01/2025

This beautiful Rhino Viper (Bitis nasicornis) was sitting so pretty that I just had to get a close-up. These are hands down, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful snakes in the world. What do you think has these beat?

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01/01/2025

This little guy is just fire🔥. Baby Albino West Africa Gaboon Viper (Bitis rhinoceros). This one is going to be insane. Horrible camouflage though. LOL

28/12/2024

Ruby, my Albino West African Gaboon Viper (Bitis rhinoceros), laying in a ball and looking a lot paler than normal. Maybe approaching a shed.

20/12/2024

Robson and his favorite reptile here at Reptile Garden, Hunter the Rock Monitor.

This is a long overdue post! We would like to introduce Robson, who has become a valuable member to the Reptile Garden Team.

Some of you might know him from our Somerset West Branch we used to have.

If you have met Robson, please send him praise by leaving a comment. If you have not come see us and he will be happy to help you with an interaction.

18/12/2024

If anyone wants to see our venomous combine show then save the date. See you at the Cape Town Science Centre.

Missed the first snake show of the Cape Town Science Centre’s Summer Chills & Thrills holiday programme? No worries, we have TWO shows left! Save the dates: 20 December 2024 and 10 January 2025.

As summer heats up, many of our favourite creepy crawlies are coming out of hiding - especially snakes! Often misunderstood and unfairly feared, snakes play a vital role in our environment.

Presented by the Reptile Garden, this show features South Africa’s venomous snakes, showcasing their fascinating qualities and ecological importance. Join us as we aim to replace fear with curiosity and appreciation for these incredible reptiles.

Time: 14:00 – 15:00
Cost: R10pp
Ages: 10+*

*Disclaimer: Due to the venomous nature of the snakes, the handler has requested a minimum audience age of 10 years. This requirement ensures the safety of both the children and the snakes. Should younger kids wish to attend the show, parents will need to supervise them to ensure that they are well behaved to prevent upsetting the snakes!

29/11/2024

All the Albino and Het Albino Gaboons got upgrades finally. They are growing so fast I dont think it will be long until they need another upgrade.

These cages still need a little but of pimping but they are looking nice so far. The little ones are really loving the substrate, shuffling down into it, ready to ambush. (Citrine in Picture)

25/11/2024

Farewell, Gizmo

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Gizmo, our beloved Green Iguana (Iguana iguana). Gizmo was more than just one of our reptiles; he was a cherished member of the Reptile Garden family, bringing joy to all who had the privilege of meeting him.

Gizmo joined us about 10 years ago as an established adult. He came to us as a loving donation from a family who, realizing the legal challenges of keeping him in the Cape Province. They wanted to ensure he would live out his days in the best possible care. What a life he lived! Here at Reptile Garden, he thrived on an abundance of fresh salads, basking in the warmth of his custom-built enclosure, aswell as free roaming the pit walls. He was admired by countless visitors who were captivated by his gentle demeanor and majestic presence.

The last 2 years during seasonal change we worried about Gizmo coming down to the floor but he always ate and became himself again. This time unfortunately it was not the case.

Sadly, despite our best efforts, including veterinary care and IV fluids, Gizmo's health rapidly declined this past week. At his age of what we estimate 15 years or more, which is remarkable considering Green Iguanas in captivity generally live around 12-20 years with proper care, it is likely that organ failure was the cause.

Though we are heartbroken by his loss, we find comfort in knowing that Gizmo spent his years surrounded by love, care, and respect. His legacy will live on in the memories of those who visited him, learned about his species, and were educated about reptiles in general. He was a great mascot for reptile education.

Rest in peace, sweet Gizmo. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit will forever be part of Reptile Garden.

Thank you for letting us be part of your incredible journey. 💚

15/11/2024

The last lot of holdback Albino and het Gaboon Vipers have left. Was a bit sad to see them go, but it is all good. I do have some amazing animals I will not part with. I can't wait to see how they develop.

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