Demolition has begun at the Reptile House in the El Paso Zoo.
This building in the Americas section of the Zoo housed snakes - both venomous and non-venomous and other reptiles such as a Gila monster, red sliders and an "alligator snapping turtle." (That's a turtle - not an alligator). The reptile building will be replaced and should be ready in about a year.
The cost for demolition and rebuilding is $1,200,000.00 This expense is paid out of the 2000 Quality of Life Bond money for the Western Expansion projects. Why does it cost 1.2 million? It’s a little different that your average home or commercial real estate building…
The money spent goes to pay for the construction of a larger reptile building in the shape of a turtle, and it includes a different infrastructure than a regular family home…for humans! Of course, you will see reptiles inside when it’s finished. There are also concrete surfaces that can be hosed down to keep them clean, (don’t you wish your home had that?!) There are also more drains, stainless steel countertops, special animal habitats and holding areas, plus climate control for the animals, special electrical and lighting infrastructure and security systems that are needed when handling venomous reptiles. (The El Paso Zoo conducts regular venomous animal safety drills in case someone gets bit or stung for real). Coming soon, we will start to post photos of the construction process on our website for visitors to see at our website: www.elpasozoo.org.
You can also learn about venous animals by contacting our Traveling Safari and having them come to your school. Call 915-351-5340 or 915-532-8156 for info or to schedule a visit.
