Visit the Edisto Island Serpentarium
A trip to Edisto isn’t complete until you visit the Edisto Island Serpentarium. This popular destination offers a wide array of exciting attractions and daily shows. As the first true serpentarium in the state, the facility is dedicated to the recognition, preservation, and study of reptiles. Get up close and personal with alligators, turtles, lizards, and snakes. While some specimens are native to the region, others come from around the world.
The serpentarium has been open to the public since 1999. The collection was gathered by local snake hunters Ted and Heyward Clamp of Edisto Island. A wide variety of reptiles are housed between the modern indoor facility and the beautifully landscaped outdoor gardens. Reptiles can be viewed swimming in streams, climbing trees, and basking in the sun, just as they do in nature.
Two separate ponds house over 20 adult American alligators. Big George, Trouble and Sampson are over 11 feet long. They live and play in Green Pond. Alligator Alley is where you will find the younger, smaller alligators. Peg-leg Pete and Water Dog can be found swimming, sunbathing, and eating in this shady pond. Each spring alligators lay eggs that will hatch in the fall. Babies can be found in the indoor facility. There’s also a nursery between the ponds that houses alligators that are 3 – 11 years old.
Alligators are fed daily when the temperature permits. Visitors get to experience this process up close and personal. Interesting alligator facts are presented during the demonstration along with the history of these prehistoric reptiles.
Turtles also live at the serpentarium. Natural habitat displays are set up for the education and viewing pleasure of visitors. Box turtles, red-eared sliders and diamondback terrapins can be seen, along with Alligator snapping turtles. Two African Spur-thigh Tortoises are also on display. This breed is the largest land turtle in the world.
The serpentarium has beautiful snake habitats. Non-venomous enclosures are home to rat snakes, black racers, coachwhips, water snakes and many more. Observe them as they swim, climb trees and sun on the branches in the large, landscaped open habitat. Venomous varieties are housed separately. Their varieties include cottonmouth moccasins, copperheads, and rattlesnakes.
Educational snake programs are presented daily. Professional handlers explain the value of these animals in their natural environments. Both venomous and non-venomous snakes are discussed.
Different species of lizards can be seen at the serpentarium as well. A bearded dragon and blue-tongued skink, both native to Australia, can be found here, as well as a South American red tegu. The facility has also acquired an Australian Argus Monitor.
Along with the alligator feedings and snake demonstrations, a Keeper’s Choice Show is given each day. Topics vary from tortoises & turtles, lizards, venom extraction and feedings. Be sure to start your visit early in the day so you don’t miss any of the exciting programs and feedings. The modern indoor facility and beautifully landscaped outdoor gardens are awaiting your visit.
Daily Schedule as found on edistoserpentarium.com/attractions/lectures/
11:00 Snake Show
12:00 Gator Program/Feeding
1:00 Keeper’s choice-call for details
2:00 Snake Show
3:00 Gator Program/Feeding
4:00 PM Keeper’s Choice-Call for details
Edisto Island Serpentarium
1374 HIGHWAY 174
EDISTO ISLAND, SC 29438
(843) 869-1171
