Scales Nature Park

Scales Nature Park located a couple minutes north of Barrie is a new place for reptile lovers and other naturalists to visit, but the faces are not! The operation is carried on by Jeff and Jenny Hathaway of Sciensational Snakes, a company that has been promoting reptile and amphibian conservation through hands-on, educational programs in the Simcoe and Grey county area for years now.
Each reptile nature center or zoo throughout Ontario has a uniqueness that makes each and every one a joy to visit. One awesome thing about the Scales Nature Park is that they have the most complete collection of native Canadian reptiles and amphibians. These animals are highly protected by the law, so getting the chance to see all of them up close and personal is a real treat. We’re talking fox snakes, black rats, hognose, garters of a billion different colors, smooth greens snakes and more-don’t forget all the turtles! Snappers, spotted, painteds and musk, all in beautiful and naturally laid out exhibits. They also have exotic species and educate kids and adults alike about the difference between good and not so good reptile pets. Know that cute baby boa or Burmese python you were eyeing up in the pet store? Well wrap one of the adults at the Scales Nature Park around your shoulders and see if you still want one! I think you’ll find the friendly corns, kings and milks end up making the better pet!
But the unique collection isn’t even the best part. What about getting the chance to touch and hold just about all of them? Friendly staff members loaded with facts and willing to answer your questions bring out animals of all shapes and sizes for you to experience.
If you’re finished up in there, step outside, visit some of the turtles and tortoises hanging around out there, then go for a walk on the nature trail! On my trip I was lucky to spot a wild garter snake, but if you’re lucky you may spot turtles in the pond too! Another helpful and enthusiastic guide came with us and told us neat facts about the trees, edible plants and the other vegetation.
This is a place that’s well worth the trip, check them out at scalesnaturepark.ca!

Reptilia Zoo

If you have a love for Reptiles, then this should definitely be a stop on the next trip you make to the GTA. With about 200 different species on display, you’ll find rare and exciting reptiles and amphibians, including the giants and an impressive venomous collection. Within the zoo you’ll find the longest reticulated python, longest venomous snake (King Cobra) and largest crocodilian (Nile Croc) currently kept in Canada.
However you have to love this place for more than just their outstanding collection. View one of the four daily feedings, or watch some of the six daily interactive shows.
Reptilia does a lot more than that though, they give you the opportunity to get involved and experience hands-on interaction with the animals through many different avenues. They do birthday parties, zoo tours, curriculum compliant programs for schools, day camps, and even the junior keepers program to teach future reptile pet owners the basics of caring for their pets properly.
With the vast variety of beautifully crafted exhibits, and all the activity going on, you won’t find it hard to spend the entire day at the zoo, and it won’t be wasted!
Additionally, Reptilia has an amazing gift shop and pet store.It is packed with rare animals from breeders, as well as animals produced right at the zoo. They have all the supplies you could imagine needing. One of my favorite aspects of the store, is that along with selling exoterra and other name brand reptile products, they also sell great alternatives for cheaper prices, such as crock water bowls and planter feeder dishes, so you can set up your animals home just the way you want it, for the price you want to pay!
If you love your hobby, you won’t want to miss this place! Check it out at Reptilia.org.