Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House

Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House features approximately 200 small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and birds in naturalistic habitats, coexisting with each other, in some instances. There are approximately 60 different species of small mammals, reptiles, amphibians and birds in two distinct areas—the Gallery and the Ecosystem—representing the climates and conditions of South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. With a lap around the Gallery, visitors witness the diversity and delicate nature of amphibians and reptiles, from Mexico’s mysterious and highly endangered Axolotl salamander, to vibrant poison dart frogs, to federally threatened eastern massasauga rattlesnakes. There is a 25-seat auditorium for educational programs, videos, and presentations.

Between the Gallery and the Ecosystem is a magnificent baobab tree that measures 25 feet in diameter, forming a dark cave where Egyptian fruit bats hand and naked mole rats burrow.

Visitors feel, hear and smell a world of lush tropics as they immerse themselves into the Ecosystem, a humid jungle area covered by a 45-foot-high glass dome. Featuring several mixed-species habitats, this area is home to Hoffman’s two-toed sloths, dwarf crocodiles, Asian small-clawed otters and much more. A split, terrestrial and aquatic view of two exhibits—the Asian small-clawed otter and the spectacled caiman ensures that visitors don’t miss any species-specific behavior on land or in the water. Visitors can also enjoy a scenic aerial view in the Ecosystem Mezzanine, overlooking the various exhibits including the Puerto Rican parrot exhibit where visitors can catch glimpse of the only two Puerto Rican parrots in the U.S.