Some Assembly Required (Crocodile Included)

In this episode of Our Herd, we sit down with Pat, our Associate Curator of Herpetology, and Nate, our VP of Construction & Planning, to go behind the scenes of the recently reopened WPA-era Reptile House and explore what it takes to renovate a historic Toledo Zoo icon while prioritizing its wildest residents.From temporarily relocating animals to building a new home and jaw-dropping experience for our massive saltwater crocodile, Pat and Nate share the challenges, surprises, and creative problem-solving that went into transforming the Reptile House. We also talk about how the team balanced preserving the building’s historic character while creating a modern facility designed around the needs of both animals and guests.Along the way, we explore the arrival of new species, the decision to rethink what an exhibit can be, and some of the unexpected moments that come with undertaking a renovation of this scale.Because when your renovation involves a historic building and a very large crocodile… some assembly is required.Give us a formal review!https://www.toledozoo.org/our-herd-survey/Links:https://www.toledozoo.org/Reptile House ExhibitSenior Discovery DaysTwilight EveningsToledo Zoo Photography Club