Edisto Island Serpentarium

Edisto Island, South Carolina

Established in 1999, the Edisto Island Serpentarium is currently celebrating 10 years of devoted service towards the world of reptiles. Currently, they offer shelter and care to four types of reptiles, namely: snakes, alligators, lizards and turtles.

As humans, we oftentimes destroy and fear what we do not understand and lectures are held four times daily: 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm and 5:00pm, to educate and dispel the fear that many people have regarding snakes and other reptiles. Visitors are taught about each species and their importance in our surrounding habitat. For those who have developed a fear for snakes for whatever reason, the lectures will serve as an enlightenment to understand the true nature of this creature and to also identity poisonous from non-poisonous snakes.

Alligators are another type of reptile that are hosted at the Serpentarium. With a current alligator population on 19 Adult American alligators, visitors will have a first-hand experience of learning about this particular animal, and see its behavioral patterns face to face. Feeding times for the alligators are usually 12:00 and 4:00pm daily. Each has a particular name to distinguish it based on its personality and size. The biggest which is 11 feet is an attraction and all visits are guided with tour guides to ensure the safety of each visitor.

There are also lizards and turtles at Edisto Island Serpentarium, and for those who love turtles, it will be a wonderful time to see and learn about different species. There are red-eared turtles, diamondback terrapins, soft-shelled turtles etc. The African Thigh Tortoises are considered worldwide, as the the largest land turtle, and this is of particular interest of many people, because turtles are usually represented as miniature creatures in our day to day lives. The Serpentarium does not have many lizards, in fact, there are only four iguanas at the facility and they are non-venomous.

For those who love reptiles, visiting Edisto Island Serpentarium, will be a memorable experience that educates and opens the horizons of anyone to see beyond the common beliefs and myths that are associated with these reptiles, especially snakes. There is also an indoor facility with hand painted reptiles and an atrium with snakes, frogs and baby alligators. This is a great place for small and anxious children who are fascinated with tiny creatures and are taking tiny step to explore their surrounding world.

School excursions and biology classes are two interesting activities that are held to stimulate interest in the young about their surrounding environment and the animals that are a part of it. All the tour-guides are trained professionals that have worked for years with animals and that have in-depth knowledge of the beauty and possible danger that each reptile carries with it. With this in mind, all education information that is planned on a daily basis, intends to open the world of reptiles to curious seekers, but at the same time respecting the highest level of security between animals and visitors.