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NatureWildlife & Farms

This Zoo Is The Wildest Place You’ll Ever Visit In Kentucky

Kentucky Reptile Zoo in Slade is a unique destination with one of the largest collections of venomous snakes, playing a significant role in medical research.

Published Nov 6, 2021

Written by 

Sarah McCosham

Sometimes, you just need to take a walk on the wild side. And in the Bluegrass State, there's no better place to embrace the wild and wonderful, than the Kentucky Reptile Zoo. One of the state's coolest hidden gems, the Kentucky Reptile Zoo is home to a diverse army of reptiles, including one of the largest collections of venomous snakes in the world! The next time you're looking for a fun and unique day trip in Kentucky, head to this under-the-radar zoo in Slade.

In Slade, Kentucky, you'll find one of the state's coolest -- and wildest -- hidden gems.

Two modern buildings with sloped roofs beside a grassy area featuring a wooden picnic table and a clear blue sky.
Tyme4relaxing/TripAdvisor

The Kentucky Reptile Zoo is home to 85 species of some of the most incredible reptiles on the planet.

A crocodile rests on the grass near a pond, surrounded by greenery and rocks.
Lauren Hagen/Google Local

Turtles, American alligators, lizards, and snakes all call this Kentucky non-profit home.

A colorful turtle with a patterned shell walking on green grass.
Kentucky Reptile Zoo/Facebook

The Kentucky Reptile Zoo is best-known for its snakes, housing one of the largest collections of venomous snakes in the entire world.

Two snakes, one green and one blue, intertwined around a branch in a terrarium with wood chips on the ground.
CLF978/TripAdvisor

In fact, this zoo specializes in venomous reptiles and the acquisition of venom through a process called venom extraction.

A coiled snake with a patterned brown and white body resting on a bed of wood shavings.
Adam Haas/Google Local

Scientists use the Kentucky Reptile Zoo as a resource for reptile venoms and behavioral studies using live reptiles, as well as the production of anti-serum.

A brown snake with a patterned body resting on light-colored substrate, surrounded by green leaves.
Adam Haas/Google Local

Snake venom is frequently used in medical research, and can be used to help treat myriad viruses and diseases, including COVID-19.

A green snake coiled on a branch, showcasing its vibrant scales and relaxed posture.
Joel Cordial/Google Local

But if you're not into snakes, no worries: there are plenty of other reptiles to admire here! The turtles are a fan favorite.

A child in a blue cap watches two turtles resting on logs in a natural setting.
Tyme4relaxing/TripAdvisor

The Kentucky Reptile Zoo is nationally recognized for its role in medical research, and has been featured on PBS, Animal Planet, and National Geographic Channel. This hidden gem is an absolutely fascinating place to explore, and truly one of the most unique and interesting day trips in Kentucky.

A colorful lizard with a green body and reddish head resting on a log in a natural setting.
Adam Haas/Google Local

The Kentucky Reptile Zoo is such a unique place in the Bluegrass, and it's a must-visit for anyone looking for a fun and wild adventure! You'll find the Kentucky Reptile Zoo at 200 L&E Railroad Place in Slade, KY, 40376.

For another weird and wild adventure in Kentucky, be sure to check out this paranormal museum in Somerset.

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