Rich history, dedicated conservation work highlight our Amphibian & Reptile Center
It’s a historic habitat home to dozens of species — and something you just don’t want to miss-ssss.
The Buffalo Zoo’s Donna M. Fernandes Amphibian & Reptile Center has been a mainstay at the Buffalo Zoo for over 80 years, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors every year.
While its numerous different species make it a lovable attraction, its most integral contribution to the natural world is the conservation work that’s centered inside.
Originally called the Zoo’s Reptile House, it was opened in 1942 as one of the premier facilities of its kind.
The Reptile House was opened under the guidance of Marlin Perkins, the Zoo’s curator at the time. Perkins, who is probably best known for his work on the TV show “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom”, had a strong passion for snakes and originally housed various different kinds.
Perkins declared it “the finest reptile house in America.”
As time went on, the Reptile House evolved, welcoming in various other species of reptiles as well as amphibians. A significant renovation that concluded in 2019 helped refresh the building while mixing old with new. Not only that, but it saw the arrival of various new animals, such as our Komodo dragon, and most importantly expanded conservation areas.
The Buffalo Zoo continues to be a conservation leader in the herpetological field, actively participating in various projects and programs that seek to save species from extinction.
One of the highlights, and one that’s heartbeat is within the Amphibian & Reptile Center, is the Zoo’s continued work to save the Puerto Rican crested toad. We are proud to have been working for over 40 years to help save this precious species, sending thousands of tadpoles to Puerto Rico annually for reintroduction to the wild.
More recently, the Zoo became home to an assurance colony of the newly discovered, critically endangered cora mud turtle. Our staff continues to work diligently to discover more about these animals and lead the way to ensure it thrives well into the future.
We’re proud to be involved with programs involving more local species like the Blanding’s turtle, wood turtle as well as the eastern Massasauga rattlesnake, and we don’t stop there either. Ensuring a future where wildlife thrives remains a pillar of our mission, and that’s exemplified in the sorts of work that goes on in our Amphibian & Reptile Center.
So the next time you visit the Zoo and take a stroll through this historic building to say hello to our Fly River turtle, Komodo dragon or any of the other dozen species inside, know that the conservation efforts of our team are making a difference every day.
